Celebrations set to begin for Refugee Week 2025

At its heart, Refugee Week is a growing cultural movement in the shape of an arts festival. Established in 1998, it is a partnership project coordinated by Counterpoints Arts. Its purpose goes beyond raising awareness - Refugee Week is about rethinking sanctuary through art, public storytelling and shared participation.

Refugee Week helps shift the focus from stories of suffering to stories of agency, contribution and collaboration. Through mindful programming, refugees are recognised not only for what they’ve been through - their hardship, pain and violence endured - but for what they offer in terms of language, culture, vibrant difference and knowledge. 

Refugee Week's music programme celebrates artists who use their creativity as a platform for change and activism. The focus is on connecting perspectives, cultivating meaningful conversations, and understanding unique viewpoints. 

The curation of Refugee Week is based on what is relevant in a time of global migration, social and environmental justice, and who speaks to these vital conversations. Diversity of opinion is prioritised, an opportunity for conversation and collaborative exploration of ideas. The programme seeks to create spaces where different cultural traditions can engage in dialogue while maintaining their integrity and authenticity.

London Events: 

We Are The Many Festival

Counterpoints Arts presents We Are The Many at EartH Hackney on Sunday, June 15th, kicking off London Refugee Week 2025. This festival, themed 'Community as a Superpower,' offers music, stories, food, healing, and resistance.

Hosted by Nigerian-born British poet and playwright Inua Ellams, the event features artists, architects, chefs, DJs, and musicians exploring collective organizing and ideas for a more equitable world.

Highlights include:

3pm: A closed workshop for youth groups led by Linett Kamala, focusing on healing through sound systems.

5pm: EartH Kitchen opens to the public with an interactive edible sculpture by Playte, inspired by The Rice Theory of Culture, alongside diverse rice dishes from guest chefs Carol Puthussery, Najeem Ebadi (In The Mix), Seeds of Wild, and sisterwoman vegan.

5:30pm: Spoken word performances from Chakira Alin, DJ Kat the Kat-a-lyst, Fedzilla, Samatar Elmi, and Tara Fatehi.

7pm: Music programme featuring Black Obsidian Sound System (B.O.S.S.), anaiis, and Goat Girl.

The Blessing: Power of Community – Collab between Hackney Empire and Counterpoints

Hackney Empire and Counterpoints Arts present The Blessing, a celebration marking Windrush Day and Refugee Week 2025. This event brings together the local community as well as musicians and artists such as Jermaine Jackman, Terri Walker, Reek0 and AKS.

Radio Programming: 

Refugee Week On Air 2025: This international radio programme amplifies voices and stories of musicians, activists, and creators with refugee backgrounds. The theme, 'Community as a Superpower,' celebrates collective acts of generosity and kindness.

Daily Synchronised Broadcasts: Tune in daily from 12:00–14:00 BST for a special two-hour programme co-produced by seven official partner stations, offering global perspectives and personal stories of displacement and belonging.

Monday, June 16th: Refuge Worldwide

Tuesday, June 17th: Stegi Radio

Wednesday, June 18th: Ola Radio

Thursday, June 19th: Manila Community Radio

Friday, June 20th: Worldwide FM

Saturday, June 21st: 20ft Radio

Sunday, June 22nd: RBL

Numerous other radio stations worldwide are curating special programmes around the 'Community as a Superpower' theme, featuring conversations, music, and sonic explorations. Participating stations include: Radio Buena Vida, LYL Radio, Sister Midnight FM, Dublin Digital Radio, THF Radio, Noods, Kiosk Radio, Resonance FM, TRNSTN, Voices, Triple R, Lahmacun Radio, NTS, and La Barca at Gisira Festival.