The programme for Refugee Festival Scotland 2025 is out now! Take a look at the line up and see which events are happening near you.
This is a milestone year for our annual celebration of art, culture and community, which will run from 13-22 June. It marks 25 years of Refugee Festival Scotland and the 40th anniversary of Scottish Refugee Council.
Over ten days, more than 150 events will take place across Scotland and most are free to attend.
The festival highlights the power of community-building and cultural exchange as a response to the hostile environment.
Our chief executive, Sabir Zazai said: “Bringing people from different cultures together to build friendship, solidarity and a sense of shared community is more important than ever. Last summer, racist riots swept across parts of the UK, creating fear in refugee and migrant communities. None of us ever want to see anything like that again. By uniting against these acts of violence and hostility, we’re showing that a better way is possible.
“We believe Refugee Festival Scotland is an antidote to the negativity and hostility that’s started to characterise conversations about migration and about people seeking safety here. Join us in June to see hope and positivity in action as we celebrate the diversity of all Scotland’s communities.”
Artists and performers from more than 30 countries will take part in the programme of events in a powerful demonstration of diversity, creativity and resilience .
Refugee Festival Scotland Manager, Mónica Laiseca said: “Milestones offer us a moment to reflect on the incredible journeys people have taken to find safety here in Scotland. The festival is a tribute to their courage and a celebration of the warm welcome and support they have received from local communities over the past 25 years.
“We mark years of championing New Scot creativity as a vital part of Scottish culture and recognising the invaluable heritage that has been carefully assembled over the last quarter of a decade which deserves to be meaningfully supported, lived and carried forward. The festival aims to bring people from different backgrounds together to meet, mix and get to know each other better and we hope this year’s event inspires even more connection, creativity, and solidarity among people.”
Refugee Festival Ambassador Shahid Khan said: “Refugee Festival Scotland is a celebration – not just of culture and diversity, but of possibility. It’s a moment to stop and reflect on the journeys being made all around us. This year, let us honour every milestone reached – and work together to remove the barriers that still remain.
“Integration is not just about what newcomers do to adapt, it’s also about what kind of society they’re adapting to. The more we foster kindness, opportunity, and mentorship, the more milestones we’ll see for all of us.”
From traditional dance performances, film screenings and music workshops to cookery classes and football tournaments Refugee Festival Scotland has something for everyone to enjoy.
Take a look at the packed programme to see what’s happening near you.
Refugee Festival Scotland 2025 is made possible with support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Glasgow City Heritage Trust, and Flutter UKIs Cash4Clubs programme (delivered in partnership with Sported). Many thanks to all our generous funders.
