Calendar of events – What’s on this Refugee Week in Winchester? Scroll down for lots of fantastic events.

What: Winchester Sanctuary concert

Winchester has proudly hosted a number of refugees from various conflict zones, and is a welcoming place of sanctuary (safety and protection) for all, especially those fleeing violence and persecution.

This concert celebrates these refugees and hosts, bringing together the energy and hope provided by the uplifting shared experiences of music and culture.

This event is supported by Play to the Crowd, Winchester City Council and Winchester Rotary.

When: Saturday 10th June 2023

Where: Theatre Royal Winchester

Time: 7.30 pm

Booking required: Yes. Follow link below.

More event details available here

What: Make Music Day

In partnership with Hampshire Libraries To Celebrate Make Music Day , the annual celebration of music-making that takes place in communities across the world, we’re delighted to bring you this special event at The Arc.

N’famady Kouyaté is a talented multi-instrumentalist from Guinea (Conakry) – now based in Cardiff – who wowed audiences with his modern interpretations of traditional West African Mandingue songs and rhythms when he supported Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals) on the Pang! album tour in 2022.

With a full band line-up his arrangements are a fusion of Mandingue African with western jazz, pop, indie, and funk influences, featuring balafon, keyboards, drums, djembe, guitar, bass, kora, doundoun, congas, saxophone, trumpet, & callabash.

Center Mass are a duet and a family: Pavlo Korobkov and Vlada Kirichenko. Performing songs inspired by their favourite authors. More than any other scene, we love the street

When: Wednesday 21st June

Where: The Arc, Winchester

Time: 7.45 pm

Booking required: No. Free to attend.

More event details available here

What: Compassion in Education: University of Winchester’s Sanctuary Network

This inaugural conference of the University of Winchester’s Sanctuary Network brings together learners and educators in workshops to consider ways to welcome people seeking sanctuary. With speakers from Schools of Sanctuary, the International Rescue Committee and Refugee Education UK, there will be a chance for educators to consider the policies and practices in their settings.Each educational setting is allocated eight places for learners who are invited to attend workshops and to reflect on the lived experiences of seeking sanctuary.

When: Wednesday 21st June 2023

Where: Winchester University, West Downs Campus

Time: 9.30 – 2.30pm

Booking required: Yes. Please register for a place for each member of staff at your educational setting. Someone will contact you a week prior to the event to confirm which eight learners will be accompanying you. Book via eventbrite here

More event details available here

What: Sing for Sanctuary

A one of a kind immersive arts experience which brings many communities from Winchester, Hampshire & beyond together to celebrate our common humanity through music and the arts.

Participants from community groups, universities, sanctuary groups and schools will
come together to sing, play, perform and fill Winchester Cathedral with song.

This concert is a chance for all members of community to join together, to sing, to be heard, to
celebrate our shared humanity through the power of song. Some of the music will be performed for the audience and some will be performed with the audience. Schools, community choirs, families, groups, individuals are all invited to come and stand with the performers as they celebrate what it means to be human.

When: Saturday 24th June 2023

Where: Winchester Cathedral

Time: 3.00pm – Doors open
3.30pm – Event starts
5.00pm – Event ends
5.30pm – You are welcome to stay for ‘Evensong for Sanctuary’.

Booking required: No. Everyone is welcome, including children and families. This event is suitable for all ages.