Across the United Kingdom this week, communities are coming together to mark Refugee Week 2026, running from June 20 to June 26. With this year theme centred on Courage, the nationwide celebration highlights the strength, resilience, and creativity of people forced to flee their homes and rebuild their lives in the UK.
From London to Cambridge, Derby to Brighton, local councils, schools, universities, and community organisations are hosting events that celebrate the contributions refugees make to British life through art, music, food, fashion, and shared humanity.
Cambridge Leads with City-Wide Celebrations
One of the most vibrant programmes is taking place in Cambridge, where the city council has been a designated City of Sanctuary since 2015. The centrepiece is the Voices of Hope and Compassion concert on June 28 at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, a free event bringing together schools and community groups for music, poetry, readings, drama, and dance.
Renowned children poet Michael Rosen will perform work from his acclaimed collection On the Move, alongside newly commissioned poems about home and freedom. Over the past year, thousands of young people across Cambridge have participated in workshops exploring forced migration, displacement, trauma, and the power of compassion.
The week also features a Refugee Week Community Fair on June 20 at Cambridge Central Library, where organisations supporting people from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and beyond will highlight local services and community initiatives.
Nationwide Events Bring Communities Together
Beyond Cambridge, the picture across the UK is equally inspiring. Derby is celebrating the communities that shape the city diverse history. Greenwich is hosting a celebration of courage, community, and culture. Brighton and Hove is encouraging residents to reach for the courage within, while Somerset, Darlington, and Oxford are all running their own programmes of events, workshops, and cultural exchanges.
Schools across the country are getting involved too. The National Literacy Trust has published dedicated Refugee Week resources for schools and early years settings, helping teachers facilitate conversations about displacement, kindness, and shared humanity.
Custom Apparel and Community Identity
Events like Refugee Week are a powerful reminder of how clothing and custom apparel can serve as tools for expression, solidarity, and cultural celebration. From community-designed T-shirts at festivals to printed tote bags and hoodies that carry messages of hope, custom printing allows communities to wear their values and tell their stories.
At phshirt.com, we believe that every custom garment tells a story. Whether it is a community group ordering matching shirts for a charity run, a school printing designs for a cultural celebration, or a small business creating branded merchandise that reflects its values, the power of print brings people together.
How to Get Involved
Refugee Week 2026 runs from June 20 to June 26. To find events near you, visit the official Refugee Week website or contact your local council. Many events are free and welcome newcomers alike. If your community or organisation is planning a celebration and needs custom apparel, phshirt.com is here to help you create something meaningful.
Refugee Week is an annual event that celebrates the contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary in the UK.