Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
Article Source: Refugee Festival Scotland
Last Updated: 21 May 2025 13:19
This year marks a significant milestone as the festival celebrates 25 years of celebrating art, culture and community and marks the 40th anniversary of Scottish Refugee Council.
The festival will feature more than 150 events across Scotland, most of which are free to attend. Artists and performers from more than 30 countries will take part, inviting people from all walks of life to join in a powerful showcase of resilience, diversity, and creativity across the ten days.
From traditional dance performances and film screenings and music workshops to cookery classes, Refugee Festival Scotland 2025 will be a joyful celebration of culture which forges connections and makes space for creative expression.
This year’s theme, Milestones, celebrates decades of cultural enrichment, renewal and welcome, made possible by providing sanctuary in Scotland. It pays tribute to the effort, creativity and coming together of so many to sustain this.
Milestones encourages people to remember past decades, reflect on the present, and look towards the future as they mark individual and collective milestones.
The festival also seeks to raise awareness of the global refugee crisis, with numbers of forcibly displaced individuals continuing to rise due to conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The event highlights the power of community-building and cultural exchange as a response to the hostile political environment often faced by refugees and migrants.
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. This 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.”
Scottish Refugee Council 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.”
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.”
Festival programme highlights include the premiere of Within the Fragments of Gurbet a specially commissioned film that maps Glasgow through the experience of five New Scots, including filmmaker Bircan Birol herself, and Refugee Histories walking tours in the centre and south of the city which promise a whole new perspective on the people, cultures and history of Glasgow.
In Aberdeen Living Rhythms: Stories and Beats of Resilience will see a vibrant celebration of refugee experience through storytelling, drumming and dance, and Edinburgh will host a moving music and dance performance entitled Life in One Suitcase. In Dundee, a Ukrainian theatre group is staging a musical interpretation of Robinson Crusoe, exploring parallels between Crusoe’s journey and the experience of forced displacement.
There are a number of landmark collaborations between artists taking place across the festival, epitomised by the specially designed festival artwork by Yemeni artist Shatha Altowai and Palestinian artist Jude Ershead.
Shapes, carefully stacked and balanced, represent the resilience and strength of refugees. As the layers build upon one another, they create a solid foundation – just as refugees, despite their diverse origins, come together to form strong, united communities. The patterns are inspired by traditional clothing, architecture, and crafts from Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Iran.
Over the last year, Scottish Refugee Council has helped more than 7000 people from 113 different nationalities to settle in Scotland and rebuild their lives here in peace and safety.
Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council. Full programme details are now online: refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Cycle skills for nursery children
Children in East Renfrewshire are learning to cycle at nursery, thanks to a new partnership scheme.
READ MORE
Five unique Valentine experiences to enjoy across Scotland
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, couples have the perfect excuse to celebrate with experiences rather than traditional gifts.
READ MORE
DF Concerts summer events generate 164.5million for Scottish economy
DF Concerts has today announced that its programme of summer 2025 live music events generated £164.6 million in total economic impact for Scotland.
READ MORE
The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition returns
The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.
READ MORE
Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for touring holiday over flights abroad in 2026
Survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers commissioned by Scotland's largest touring and holiday home show reveals shift in UK's holiday of choice.
READ MORE
Adoption event offers residents in Greater Glasgow the chance to change a life
A series of relaxed, no commitment, information events are being held by Kibble, a national children’s charity, for individuals and couples keen to explore adoption.
READ MORE
Tour de France unveils route for Scottish stage
The official route of the opening stage of the Tour de France in 2027, known as the Grand Depart, has been revealed with the event starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July.
READ MORE
World Party: Celtic Connections lights up winter as global festival begins
Glasgow bursts into life today welcoming the world to the biggest traditional winter music festival on the planet - as Celtic Connections kicks off 18 days of music, culture and celebration!
READ MORE
The best of British theatre takes centre stage at Vue
There's lots for theatre lovers to be excited about at Vue, with several productions taking over the big screen in the coming months.
READ MORE
Cow smart watch to go on display at National Museum of Rural Life
A new display at the National Museum of Rural Life will explore the future of farming in Scotland, from cutting edge scientific advances to the resurgence of crofting.
READ MORE
The Cool Hand Cup is back!
Marston's is calling on punters to step up to the oche in over 500 pubs, to be in with the chance of winning £10,000 and a game of 501 darts against champion Luke Humphries!
READ MORE
Viral Buckie Bomb beer returns after trending on Reddit across Scotland and Ireland
A cult Buckfast-inspired beer is making a comeback this January after fans demanded its return across Reddit.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts free Little Seedlings Club this February
Children will learn what compost is, the difference between green and brown waste, and what can and can't be composted at February's Little Seedlings Club from Dobbies'!
READ MORE
One ticket to rule them all!
On Saturday 17th January, Showcase Cinemas is screening all three extended films back-to-back, Fellowship, Two Towers and Return of the King, with one ticket covering the full trilogy!
READ MORE
World Gaelic Week grows as 2026 programme launched
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.
READ MORE
Go Radio Football Show kicks off on YouTube
Go Radio is excited to announce that the hugely popular Go Radio Football Show is now streaming live on YouTube.
READ MORE
Doddie Beir kicks off at Aldi in supermarket exclusive ahead of Six Nations Championship
The special-edition craft beer from Cold Town Beer raises vital funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, supporting its mission to find a cure for MND.
READ MORE
Clyde 1 moving back into Glasgow city centre after 42 years
After more than four decades in Clydebank, Clyde 1 is returning to Glasgow's city centre, moving into an iconic new home at 100 Queen Street in Spring 2026.
READ MORE
Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue
One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
READ MORE
Busby Primary prepares for 150th celebrations
Busby Primary School is gearing up for a major milestone as it prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary later this month.
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Pavement parking enforcement to be introduced in East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire Council is set to begin enforcement of the pavement parking ban from Monday 5th January 2026.
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links