Sunday 21st of June marked the finale of Refugee Week in Norwich. With 32 events over 8 days, the programme was very diverse with everything from films, plays, exhibitions, talks, walks, poetry readings, social events to family fun days. There was something for everyone, all ages and interests. 10 of the events organised were Shahrazad events.
On Sunday 14th June an exhibition of the Shahrazad digital stories was opened to the public. Made by young people from schools in Norfolk and young people from other Shahrazad cities, these short stories invited the public to participate in a debate about the future of our country, of Europe and the way we live together and what we think about Europe as an entity that supports those that seek sanctuary from human rights abuses. The exhibition was open for 7 days and was visited by 1445 people.
The Refugee Week launch event was also a Shahrazad event. 84 people came to hear Chenjerai Hove, get a taste of some of the Shahrazad digital stories exhibited and hear Giles Foden, author of the Last King of Scotland. The lord mayor made statements of support for Norwich City of Refuge programme, the Shahrazad project and Refugee Week.
The rendition of three plays by Harold Pinter: One for the Road, Ashes to Ashes and the Press Conference offered an insight into the kinds of experiences which shape the lives of many across the world fleeing from oppressive regimes and war torn countries. The event was attended by 115 people.
The Refugee week finale was marked with a family fun day held at Eaton park. Despite the weather it is estimated that over the day approximately 400 people came to the event. Families heard poetry from three exiled poets, children made masks, had their faces painted and enjoyed some old swing tunes from the brass band. The event created opportunities for different groups to engage with and relate to each other.
Throughout the week most events attracted high audience levels and also saw lots of new faces at the different events organised. Some events were fully booked, had a waiting list and people were asking when they might have a chance to see something like them again. The events contributed to a big difference in how the week and refugees and asylum seekers are perceived.
