Southampton is set to host a free arts and culture festival as part of Refugee Week 2024, from June 17 to 23.

The festival will highlight the creative contributions and resilience of refugees and individuals seeking sanctuary. A community parade and picnic is scheduled for Saturday, June 22.

Led by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, the parade will commence at Above Bar at 1pm, followed by a community picnic at Palmerston Park from 2 to 5pm.

In addition to these, there will be a poetic drama performance by Southampton-based World Stages Now at the Central Library at 1pm on June 17.

Film screenings and Q&A sessions are planned at MAST Mayflower Studios at 7pm on June 19.

Furthermore, artwork by local schoolchildren will be displayed at the Central Library throughout the festival.

Stephen Manion, executive director at GO! Southampton, said: "GO! Southampton is pleased to be supporting Refugee Week, which celebrates the diverse cultural and economic contributions of the many people who over the years sought a safe home in Southampton, which is famous for being a city of sanctuary."

The lead on Southampton Refugee Week, William Brook-Hart, said: "In Refugee Week, we’re getting together to enjoy our parade and picnic, meeting up and making new friends - everyone is welcome."