Frome Town Council is preparing a week packed with live music, screenings and workshops for Refugee Week 2024.

The council's Welcome Hub will be running the calendar of events between 17 and 23 June.

Welcome Hub advice officer Emma Lacey-Williams said: "We're really pleased to have so much going on in Frome for Refugee Week.

"We want to celebrate the contribution that displaced people make to the Frome community, and increase awareness and empathy by sharing stories and having conversations.

"Over the week we are sharing stories, art, music and film from many different cultures, all exploring the migrant experience.

"By holding a full programme of events, across schools and the wider town, we hope to start discussions around what it means to be a refugee and to change some of the negative narrative we sometimes hear about displaced people. We want to ensure Frome is a welcoming and safe space for all refugees and asylum seekers."

Refugee Week Events

A handicrafts exhibition runs all week at Frome Town Hall, showcasing the talents of Frome's community of displaced people. Local schools have been invited to host their own events, with materials and conversation starters supplied by the national event. The results of a Street Art project will be on display at the Refugee Week Family Fun Day on 23 June.

On Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 June, young people aged 10 to 19 are invited to join a series of workshops facilitated by British Red Cross, exploring the reasons why people may have to leave home and developing empathy, through putting themselves in the shoes of others and engaging in a story of migration.

Also on 18 June comes a screening of multi award-winning film 'Limbo' by director Ben Sharrock at Frome Town Hall, following the story of a young Syrian musician and his friends as they await a decision on their application for asylum on a remote Scottish island.

Thursday 20 June offers a further opportunity to explore the refugee experience on the big screen, with a showing of five short films at Frome Town Hall, all on a migration theme and suitable for families. There will be a discussion and refreshments after the screenings.

On Friday 21, Soho Theatre regulars No Direction Home 'the UK's first – and funniest – refugee comedy collective' brings their special blend of humour to the Merlin Theatre for Refugee Week as part of their first national tour, with acts Usman, Selam and Pepa already confirmed to perform. Tickets cost £4 to £15, available from the Merlin.

Olha Koptieva, professional musician and member of Frome's Ukrainian community, has curated a 'Ukrainian Soul' concert on Saturday 22nd June. Craft activities run from 4pm at 23 Bath Street, with the concert due to start at 5.30pm. £4 for adults, children go free.

Rounding off the week, join the Welcome Hub in Victoria Park for a Family Fun Day, with a busy schedule of activities including yoga from Ashtanga Yoga Frome and Rainbow Flow, music workshops with Djembe Tots, storytelling from Somerset StoryFest and drama fun with DramaKarma.

Art from the Street Art project will be on display. The event runs 10.30am to 3.30pm and attendees are invited to bring a picnic, although the park café is open for light refreshments.

To follow all Refugee Week events in Frome and book tickets for some events, visit https://www.discoverfrome.co.uk/annual-events/refugee-week/

Refugee Week is the world's largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Established in 1998 in the UK, this annual festival aligns with World Refugee Day, celebrated globally on June 20.

For more information, visit https://refugeeweek.org.uk. For more information about the Welcome Hub, visit https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/our-community/frome-refugee-support-hub.