With over 40 events to choose from, there was something for everyone at this year’s Refugee Week in Norwich. Spanning 3 weeks, the choice ranged from films to feasts, art exhibitions, talks, walks and celebrations, each drawing together people from diverse backgrounds.

Our awarded organisations – libraries, gardens, museums, theatres, churches, schools and the UEA – contributed by staging events across the city, opening their doors with an over-riding message of welcome for all. Thousands of pupils from schools joined in the national Day of Welcome, organised here in Norwich, learning about stories of refugee migration.

Sixty people shared a Community Lunch at St Matthew’s Church cooked by asylum-seekers from the nearby hotel, while students learning English with local charity English+ put together a nature trail around the Cathedral grounds for visitors to follow. St Peter Mancroft held a Sunday service celebrating community and also launched their art installation, HIDDEN, which will continue to be open to visitors until September.

The University of East Anglia hosted talks exploring the role of higher education in supporting refugees while Norwich Theatre staged the comedy film, Fremont, as well as a showing of Paddington 2 for refugee and asylum seeker families. Our Gardens of Sanctuary opened up their gates with a well attended family picnic in Waterloo Park and a Celebration of International Cultures at Grapes Hill Community Garden.

Coordinated by local charity, New Routes Integration, the festival aimed to bring people together to foster cooperation and compassion.

“Community is where the city comes together as one. Where we meet, help, care for, and know each other. We respect our differences, while understanding we are all equal as humans. Together… We Are Community.”