Poets line up for special Refugee Festival Scotland event
An inspiring event celebrating togetherness, diversity and human connection is set to be staged in Glasgow this week as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
Article Source: Refugee Festival Scotland
Last Updated: 18 June 2025 11:01
Taking place on Thursday 19 June at Listen Gallery, the Building Solidarity & Kinship literary performance nightwill showcase a series of poetry readings and spoken word performances from an impressive line-up of poets and spoken word artists.
Specially curated by the festival’s Programming Fellow, creative writer and researcher Esraa Husain, the event aims to platform diverse and underrepresented voices in Glasgow.
Performers including multi-disciplinary artist Saoirse Amira Anis, Yemeni poet and filmmaker Sawsan Al Areeqe, Scottish-Palestinian writer Amira Al Shanti, Scottish-Pakistani artist Aqsa Arif and Black Scottish comedian-poet Flora Weideger, will explore themes of kinship, refuge, migration, and self-expression through their powerful, moving pieces.
The event, presented in partnership with the Listen Gallery and the Scottish BPOC Writers Network, was inspired by Esraa’s own experiences of immigration and the need for communities to find belonging. This event will be documented and photographed by Somali-born and Glasgow-based creative Najma Abukar.
Refugee Festival Scotland Programming Fellow Esraa Husain said: “As a poet myself, I’m a big believer that art and poetry can create spaces where complicated feelings can be expressed and explored beyond simple language. Poetry can be a tool for healing and a vehicle for solidarity. This event is about celebrating the richness of diverse backgrounds, generations and experiences.
“I would urge people to come with an open mind and join us for what will be a special evening of poetry and dialogue in a space where they can share stories, feel seen and discover something new for Refugee Festival Scotland’s milestone 25th year.”
Accessibility lies at the core of the event, with option to book a free ticket or donate to the Listen Gallery. This venue is wheelchair accessible and a dedicated wellbeing officer, Thierry Fotso from LGBT Health and Wellbeing on hand to provide support to participants and attendees. Attendees will also gather for a community meal provided by the Listen Gallery team.
This year marks a significant milestone for Refugee Festival Scotland as it celebrates 25 years of celebrating art, culture and community and marks the 40th anniversary of Scottish Refugee Council.
This event is one of more than 150 taking place across Scotland, most of which are free to attend, and involving artists and performers from more than 30 countries.
Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council. Full programme details are now online: refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk.
The Building Solidarity & Kingship: Sound Performance event takes place at 6.30pm on Thursday 19 June at Listen Gallery, Glasgow.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Chef Modou Diagne to open new restaurant TRUST in Glasgow
Critically acclaimed chef Modou Diagne, known for his innovative approach and celebrated success at 111 by Nico, is set to open his second Glasgow restaurant this summer.
READ MORE
Poets line up for special Refugee Festival Scotland event
An inspiring event celebrating togetherness, diversity and human connection is set to be staged in Glasgow this week as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
READ MORE
Soulful start for Glasgow Jazz Festival
The 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival gets off to a soulful start today as it opens at venues across the city, officially kicking off five extraordinary days of music.
READ MORE
Aldi Supermarket Sweep is coming to Glasgow
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Glasgow the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MORE
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
First Scottish Shopera experience comes to Glasgow
Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland's first-ever 'shopera' – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Over 1,000 yogis set to downward dog at Emirates Arena for largest event of its kind
Over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts will be namaste-ing at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow this Saturday as part of a World Yoga Day event with renowned PYPT practitioner, Sadhvi Devaditi.
READ MORE
Global fashion retail brand Hollister now open at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister has opened its doors today, joining its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Unique displays set to tour Glasgow during its momentous 850th anniversary year
As part of the Glasgow 850 programme, two special displays celebrating Glasgow's development through the centuries and rich social history are about to go on a citywide tour.
READ MORE
Nine works by eminent Scottish artist Alasdair Gray go on display in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Nine works from the significant collection will be on show for the first time, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from Saturday 14th June.
READ MORE
Justin Fletcher announces final tour dates as his brand new rocktastic live theatre show extends into 2026!
CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher has announced that his brand-new live theatre tour Justin Time To Rock will now continue into Spring 2026, with final tour dates just announced.
READ MORE
Double the Cheers: VEGA Unveils Fathers Day x National Beer Day Experience
With Father's Day and National Beer Day falling on the same date, VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow is serving up the ultimate experience for dads, blending both celebrations into one amazing offer.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.
READ MORE
This activity bar is the ideal way to celebrate Fathers Day
If you're trying to think of something more than socks and slippers to treat your dad to this Father’s Day, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option.
READ MORE
Glasgow, your ultimate beauty destination has arrived
Today H Beauty opens its doors at Silverburn unveiling a next level beauty experience in the west of Scotland.
READ MORE
North at Address Glasgow launches fresh summer menu, seasonal cocktails & weekend brunch
The Address Glasgow has unveiled an all-new summer offering at its signature restaurant, NORTH, featuring bold seasonal flavours, expertly crafted cocktails, and a new weekend brunch menu!
READ MORE
Raise the steaks for dad
A popular Scottish beer brand is serving up the ultimate rare treat this Father's Day!
READ MORE
Saturday walking tours start at Rickshaw & Co.
Vibrant award-wining Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant Rickshaw & Co. is proud to be featured in Stories Behind Glasgow's Hospitality, part of the city's 850th anniversary celebrations.
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Books and Beats: Fundraising book launch for Elephant by Gillian Shirreffs in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity
A not-to-be-missed literary afternoon celebrating the power of words, music and community will take place on Saturday 14th June at Glasgow University Union.
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries partners with charities to launch initiative in support of improving mens health
Buchanan Galleries, has partnered with five health charities and services for a weeklong initiative aimed at supporting men in Glasgow to improve their health and mental wellbeing.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850 volunteers contribute 350 hours to city celebration
Dedicated Glasgow 850 volunteers have officially surpassed 350 hours of volunteering and engagement activities throughout the city in 2025, it has been announced.
READ MORE
Maison by Glaschu brings summer to Princes Square with free ice cream and unlimited steak frites
One of Glasgow's chicest restaurants and bars, Maison by Glaschu is kicking off summer with a week-long ice cream cart pop-up and a Bastille Day bottomless steak frites special.
READ MORE
Caorunn Gin paints Glasgow red ahead of World Gin Day!
Enjoy a complimentary G&T at Glasgow's iconic Òran Mór venue on Saturday 14th June!
READ MORE
Spinning around in style... VEGA offers Kylie fans 4 hour room package to get gig ready
Kylie Minogue is coming to Glasgow tomorrow and VEGA at YOTEL is helping fans get disco-ready before the first note even drops!
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links