Oxford Refugee Week & Sanctuary Fair
“Community as a Superpower” — 16th to 22nd June 2025
Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Founded in 1998, it is held every year around World Refugee Day.
The week’s events begin with Oxford Sanctuary Fair on Tuesday 17 June at 10am – 5pm. Expect a vibrant mix of stalls, talks, food, performances and workshops – all free and open to everyone.
2025 Events
OXFORD SANCTUARY FAIR
Tuesday 17 June, 10am – 5pm
Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1BX
Join us for a day of community connection with:
- Info stalls
- Panel discussions
- Food & refreshments
- Children’s activities
- Open mic
- Workshops
Free entry – just drop in or register here. Refreshments provided.
FOOTBALL FOR SOLIDARITY
OPEN HOUSE AT REFUGEE RESOURCE
Sunday 15 June, 2pm
Oxford Academy, Sandy Lane West, Oxford OX4 6JZ
Oxford Phoenix vs Leys Lions
A welcoming community fixture celebrating solidarity through sport. Now in its second year, this ‘displaced derby’ brings together two local teams whose members have sought safety in Oxford.
Wednesday 18 June, 10am – 2pm
Refugee Resource, The Old Music Hall, 106–108 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JE
A warm invitation to celebrate Refugee Week with coffee, conversation and connection. Drop in any time – meet clients, partners and supporters in a relaxed, welcoming space.
GREAT BIG LIVE ASSEMBLY
World Refugee Day 2025
FOOTBALL FOR SOLIDARITY
Friday 20 June, 9.30am
Online event
Schools across the UK join together to reflect, celebrate and connect.
- Primary schools: 9.05 to 9.25am – register for free
- Secondary schools: 8.40 to 8.50am – register for free
Sunday 22 June, 10am
Oxford Academy, Sandy Lane West, Oxford OX4 6JZ
Oxford Phoenix vs Oxford Sylhet
Everyone welcome – come support the teams!
Escape from Disappearance: The Power of Sanctuary
Saturday 21st June 2025, 4pm to 6pm
Pichette Auditorium & JCR Art Gallery, Pembroke College, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1DW
A panel discussion on the meaning and urgency of sanctuary in today’s world.
Speakers include:
• Baroness Jan Royall – Principal of Somerville College, Oxford
• Professor Brad Evans – Director, Centre for the Study of Violence, University of Bath
• Dr Hari Reed – Joint CEO, Asylum Welcome
This event is part of the Disappearance of Worlds exhibition by Mexican artist Chantal Meza, whose work explores themes of violence, loss, and the unseen.
Together, our speakers will reflect on how people and communities are made to disappear — and how acts of sanctuary can resist that disappearance.
Organised by Pembroke College JCR Art Collection, the Centre for the Study of Violence (University of Bath), FOUND Project, and Oxford Festival of the Arts, with support from partners across Latin America, the UK, and the US.
👉 This event is free but booking is required. Please register now on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/escape-from-disappearance-the-power-of-sanctuary-registration-1335368185189
VIGIL AT CARFAX
CAMPSFIELD SOLIDARITY WALK
Tuesday 17 June, 5.30pm
Carfax Tower, central Oxford
A moment of solidarity to say:
🎺 Refugees Welcome!
🎺 Keep Campsfield Closed!
Sunday 22 June, 12 noon
Campsfield site, Langford Lane, Kidlington OX5 1RE
- Rally at the gates
- Walk to Kidlington Methodist Church
- Refreshments and discussions in the Rear Hall (2-4 pm)
More details on keepcampsfieldclosed.uk
