Sharing stories, changing the narrative: Communities Together With Refugees

Join us for a special gathering celebrating solidarity, belonging, and the power of stories to reshape how we understand migration.

At a time when the UK has seen rising anti-migrant rhetoric and division, this event invites us to pause, connect, and remind ourselves that compassion is at the heart of who we are. Through music, creativity, storytelling, and community conversation, we will explore the experiences of people seeking safety and the role the arts play in bringing communities together.

This event shines a light on the voices of artists, community leaders, and cultural groups who use creativity to build bridges, raise awareness, and support integration. It is a welcoming space to connect, share stories, and reflect on how the arts can shift narratives and foster belonging.

This event is part of the national Communities Together With Refugees campaign, a UK-wide movement calling for a fair new plan for refugees based on dignity, compassion, and the ability to rebuild one’s life.

Whether we are chatting to a neighbour, discussing a refugee-themed book at a book group, inviting a speaker to a church social, fundraising through a local choir, signing petitions, or emailing our MP, we can all encourage those around us to remember that refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants are, first and foremost, individuals with their own story to tell.

What to expect

🎤 Stories

Hear personal stories of migration, resilience, and hope from:

• Hiba Elhindi, Artistic Director at Sudafest, shares the vibrant spirit of Sudanese cultures and arts, building global understanding through powerful creative events.
• Yana Kozha, an Ukrainian singer-songwriter and member of the choir “SVITLO”, a group united by their love of Ukrainian songs and soul-filled performances.
  

🎶 Live Performances

A soulful musical programme by the Ukrainian Choir SVITLO. A celebration of culture, connection, and the power of music to unite us.

🤝 Community Gathering

Open conversation over drinks (available to purchase from the Town Hall café). Meet others, share ideas, and explore ways to take local action in solidarity with refugees and people seeking safety.

We'll also have campaign resources with posters, postcards, and myth-busting factsheets.

This event is delivered in partnership with:

• Together With Refugees
• The Old Town Hall Trowbridge
• Ukrainian Choir SVITLO
• Sudafest
• Bradford-on-Avon Community Grou`p