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Salford celebrates Refugee Week

6 June 2007

SALFORD is celebrating the contributions of refugees with a week of
theatre, sport, music and debate.

The city is hosting events for all the family to mark Refugee Week, a
UK-wide festival that celebrates the contribution refugees make to the
UK and helps the public to understand why people are forced to flee
their countries.

The week will kick off with the Unity Cup on Saturday (June 16th), a
6-a-side football tournament that brings refugee and British players
together.

On Monday, Exodus Emerge will see a night of world music, dance and
spoken word by performers from around the world, which will take place
at the Robert Powell Theatre at the University of Salford.

The University will also play host to the Banner Theatre Company on
Thursday (June 21st) who will present ‘They Get Free Mobiles…..Don’t
They?”, a multi-media show that aims to bust some of the myths around
asylum.

On Friday Salford councilors will be on hand in the Council Chamber at
Salford Civic Centre where refugees and asylum seekers can learn about
local democracy in the city and beyond.

The celebrations will end on Sunday at ‘A Small World in Salford’,
when visitors to Salford Museum and Art Gallery can enjoy Indian dance
workshops, world music and the launch of an exhibition by refugee
artists.

Mathilde Vautier, Refugee Action’s community integration worker in
Salford, has co-ordinated the events. She said: ‘It is wonderful that
so many organisations in Salford are taking part in this year’s
Refugee Week.

“It is essential that the public are given the facts about asylum
seekers and refugees and that their contribution is highlighted. I
think there is an event here for everyone.”

Ends

For more information, or to request an interview or photographs, please
call Julia Ravenscroft, press officer, on 0161 233 1956 or 07771 748
159.

List of events in Salford :

Saturday 16th June 2007
THE UNITY CUP - FOOTBALL AND FAMILY FUN
11 am to 5pm
Salford Sports Village, Littleton Rd, Kersal, Salford M7 3AP

This 6-a-side football tournament (one for men and one for women, for
16 years+) is a traditional Refugee Week treat across the Greater
Manchester. And it is held in Salford this year!
Families are welcome too, as there will be children’s activities and
food on the day.

For an information pack to enter a team, to volunteer on the day (no
football experience needed) or for more information contact Ged (0161
233 1202 gerardd@refugee-action.org.uk) or Ameen (07966 316 029
Ameen.Hadi@salford.gov.uk)

Monday 18th June
EXODUS EMERGE, 7.30pm, Robert Powell Theatre, The University of
Salford, Broad Street, Salford

A night of world music, dance and spoken word from Salford featuring
performances from Africa, Asia, the Middle East & Europe. Exodus
Emerge presents the best of new and established artists and performers from around the world now living and working in Salford.

Although the event is free, advanced booking is recommended, please
telephone 0161 295 5223 or email artsunit-amss@salford.ac.uk to reserve
tickets.

Supported by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA)
and Arts Council North West

Thursday 21st June
SIDE BY SIDE, CULTURES TOGETHER
3pm - 7pm, Bridgewater Youth Centre, Bridgewater Street, Little Hulton

Young people’s very own Refugee Week event! Hip hop and multicultural
tunes, tasty delights from around the world, art exhibition and workshop
are amongst the activities of this exciting afternoon, so join in the
celebrations!

Supported by Little Hulton and Walkden Community Committee

Thursday 21st June
“THEY GET FREE MOBILES, DON’T THEY?” Theatre performance from
Banner Theatre 7.30pm, Robert Powell Theatre, The University of Salford
(Frederick Road Campus, Broad Street)

They get free mobiles . . . don’t they?" aims to bust some of the
media-generated myths about refugees and asylum seekers. Combining
music, song, video, film and theatre, the show speaks for Britain’s
newest arrivals as they dodge borders, bullets and bureaucracy in their
quest for safety and security from war-torn lands in Africa and the
Middle East.
Admission: Free
Advanced booking is recommend, please telephone 0161 295 5223 or email
artsunit-amss@salford.ac.uk to reserve tickets.

Friday 22nd June
ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT BRITISH LOCAL DEMOCRACY
2-4pm, Council Chamber, Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton

There are 60 councillors representing local people in Salford. Ever
wondered what your councillor does and how the British political system
works? Learn about local democracy in Salford, ask questions and meet
the people who represent you.

Sunday 24th June 2007
A SMALL WORLD IN SALFORD
At Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford.
1.30-4pm

Come and enjoy this afternoon of international culture at Salford
Museum and Art Gallery.

Take part in Indian dance workshops, get your hands henna painted, and
listen to the tuneful sounds of Iranian jazz.

With childrens’ activities and the launch of an exhibition by refugee
artists, there’s something for everyone… and all for FREE!

From Mon 18th to Friday 21st June
STORYTIMES

Storytelling in various libraries in Salford. Storytellers will explore
stories from various countries. Suitable for under 5’s and their
parents and carers.

To find out times and venues, ring 0161 778 0842.