This year’s theme, Courage, recognised the bravery it takes to begin again, to speak up, to reach out and to stand alongside one another in solidarity. It was a celebration, not only of the courage shown by people seeking sanctuary, but also the courage found in kindness, connection, creativity and community.

Volunteers, residents, communities and schools came together to create spaces of welcome, understanding and celebration to mark Refugee Week 2026 in Norwich. There were performances, exhibitions, workshops and community meals, offering people from all backgrounds the opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate together.

Many of our Places of Sanctuary staged events, including Grapes Hill Community Garden’s International Celebration and a special service at St Peter Mancroft. A brand new mural was painted at Bicycle Links and community meals were held at St Matthew’s Church, Chapelfield Road Methodist’s and St Lukes. Friends of Waterloo Park hosted their brilliant international picnic while the UEA staged a film festival and a photography exhibition.

During our Schools of Sanctuary’s Day of Welcome, over 800 schools took part, with over 30,000 pupils tuning in for special webinars from authors like Michael Rosen. Many schools also contributed to our Hope Happens Here campaign, where over 1000 messages of hope went on display at The Forum.

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and migrants.