Refugee Month celebrated throughout North Manchester
11 June 2010
Theatre, literature, music and art from around the world will be celebrated across north and east Manchester throughout June, as the city hosts Refugee Month 2010.
Refugee Month, organised by Manchester City Council, will see a whole host of activities taking place up and down the city, from poetry readings and music festivals to arts and crafts.
The month-long programme of events has been launched to help unite communities, and encourage understanding and appreciation of the world-wide influences that give vibrancy and flavour to Manchester's neighbourhoods.
Most of the events running in north and east Manchester - including at libraries in Gorton, Longsight and Crumpsall - are free and are designed to offer an opportunity to meet people from all Manchester's diverse communities and celebrate the city's proud tradition of offering safety, support and sanctuary.
There will also be support and training offered in a number of topics such as Citizenship ceremonies and homework support training for parents, alongside day-long festivals international food, drama performances and arts and crafts at The Grange Community on 12 June and at Cheetham and Crumpsall Welcome Centre on 17 and 18 June.
Councillor Glynn Evans, executive member for adult services at Manchester City Council said: "We are so fortunate in Manchester to enjoy such a rich cultural diversity. Refugee Month encourages us to think about this and why people have sought asylum in Manchester and their often distressing stories.
We hope that people will join us in celebrating Refugee Month and acknowledge the many positive contributions that people who have sought refuge in our city make to our everyday lives."
