Refugee Week is a great way of celebrating the contribution refugees have made to arts, culture, economy and wider society and marks Leeds’ commitment to stronger, more harmonious city.  The rich and varied programme of events highlights not only the part played by refugees, but also reminds us of our proud history of welcoming them and the immense value of tolerance. Behind all the negative headlines live real people building new lives, and new contributions to Leeds and beyond.
Highlights of the 2011 Refugee Week calendar include:

Saturday 18th June 2011, 10am - 4pm- Launch Event and Community Football Tournament
Venue: Leeds City College, the Thomas Danby Campus Community Sports Centre, Roundhay Road

 Tuesday 21st June 2011, 12 noon and 1.30pm -  Ghost Cargo - text art in the skies over Leeds 
The skies above and around Leeds city centre will play host to a sky banner project conceived by artist and writer, Caroline Bergvall, and delivered in partnership with Writing Encounters and Leeds Art Gallery. As part of the project, the artist is inviting people across Leeds to pick up their phones and video cameras, and help to gather film footage that will be edited together and screened at Leeds Art Gallery later this year. 

 Tuesday 21st June 2011 - An interactive workshop featuring a family story of newcomers to Leeds
The programme consists of introductions – drama – presentation - discussion – plenary –lunch
Venue: Refugee Council Leeds, Hurley House, 1 Dewsbury Rd, Leeds LS11 

Tuesday 21st June 2011 - Civic Celebration of Refugee Week
Councillors from across the city meet refugees and find out more about their experiences in Leeds, personal testimony directly from exiled journalists on their lack of freedom, and the need to escape persecution. The event will celebrate the contribution of people from refugee backgrounds to the city of Leeds, and will include a presentation to the first two official Schools of Sanctuary.
 
Wednesday 22nd June 2011, 4 - 7pm - Family Fun Day
Stay and Play - crafts, music and games, food & refreshment. The British Red Cross, Therapeutic Care Service volunteers offers relaxation session consisting of hand care, hand & massage, and neck & shoulder massage given through clothing.
Venue: Leeds Refugee Forum, One Community Centre, Cromwell Street, Lincoln Green, Leeds, LS9 7SG

Saturday 25th June 2011, 3pm - 9.30pm - TOGETHER FOR LEEDS
Music, dance, food and culture celebrating diversity in Leeds, everyone welcome
Venue: Bangladeshi Community Centre, Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS8 5AN