Celebrating Refugee Week 2025

What a week! Refugee Week 2025 brought together hundreds of people across Hastings, Bexhill and St Leonards to share stories, food, music and solidarity. Every event was rooted in fun and friendship. 

From sunrise to sunset, falafel to folk songs, we celebrated together. Here are just a few highlights from an unforgettable week:

108 Sun Salutations by the Sea

We opened the week with our annual 108 Sun Salutations Challenge at the coast — a moving, meditative collective moment. As always, it was a peaceful start to a powerful week.

A Week of Falafel & Tabouleh at Goat Ledge

Throughout the week, the wonderful team at Goat Ledge served up falafel, tabouleh, and joyful vibes, with donations going directly to support our work. Huge thanks to their team for always showing up for the community.

Supper and Songs at The Crown House

A cosy, sold-out evening hosted by the fantastic Message from the Ravens. Beautiful harmonies, shared stories, and Syrian-inspired food made it a night to remember.

Stitch for Change at the De La Warr

Our storytelling textile project was displayed at the iconic De La Warr Pavilion. So many of you viewed the intricate, powerful arpillera-style pieces stitched by our project participants. Thank you to all who came and listened.

Poetry at The Printworks

An evening of spoken word and storytelling hosted in one of our favourite community spaces. Powerful voices from across the town shared stories of migration, memory and resilience.

Chilean Folk Night at Cumbia Kitchen

We closed the week with music, empanadas, and dancing at the heart of Hastings. The evening honoured stories of exile and resistance from Chile to the UK.

Quiz Night with Sue Tilley at The St Leonard Pub

Teams battled it out in support of our work. What a great evening!

Flatland Young Creatives at Three Legs

A vibrant, youth-led event bringing together art, performance, and fresh voices from across Hastings.

Thank you to every business, artist, speaker, volunteer, and audience member who made Refugee Week 2025 possible.

We’re deeply proud of our community — one that doesn’t just welcome, but actively uplifts and celebrates people seeking sanctuary.