Celebrating Norwich's refugees

Evie from Norfolk writes a Letter To Europe

Refugee Week 2009 celebrates the refugees that have made Norfolk their home through a series of films, talks and plays from Sunday, 14 June.

Writers' Centre Norwich is celebrating Norfolk's settlers since they first arrived in the 16th Century.

"Norfolk has a great tradition of welcoming refugees," said Shenaz Kedar, community and participation coordinator for Writers' Centre Norwich.

Events occur at eight Norwich venues, including The Forum, until 21 June.

The week is in aid of the Norwich City of Refuge Programme, to improve the understanding and integration of Norfolk's refugees.

REFUGEE WEEK 2009: Download: Refugee Week programme

Norfolk has greeted refugees into the county from all parts of the globe for five centuries and it is continuing to help those in need of a safe haven today.

"Norwich continues to offer sanctuary to refugees fleeing from oppressive regimes and war torn countries, signalling its ongoing commitment to supporting people in need of refuge," said Shenaz.

During the 17th Century, Norfolk had one of the largest concentrations of refugees in Britain due to its close access to the sea.

Many people in Norwich today are descendants of refugee families, known as the Strangers, whose legacy remains in many landmarks and people's dialects.

Norfolk was also a temporary home to Albert Einstein, one of the world's most famous scientists and refugees.

Launch

Refugees have been seeking sanctuary in Norfolk since the 16th Century

Refugee week is being launched on Sunday, 14 June, 2009, in Fusion at The Forum, Norwich, where digital stories of refugees lives will be shown on the giant HD screen and continue to be played throughout the week.

Other events of note include a tour, starting at Strangers' Hall in Norwich, that discovers Who Were The Norwich Strangers? on Wednesday, 17 June, 2009.

In addition, a play titled Asylum Dialogues at the Norwich Playhouse on Tuesday, 16 June, 2009, looks at the solidarity of British people towards refugees and a Family Fun Day at Eaton Park includes entertainment and education for all ages on Sunday, 21 June, 2009.

Refugee week 2009 also has the backing of the Prime Minister.

"The week plays an important role in fostering greater understanding between all of our communities," said Gordon Brown.

Refugee Week 2009 takes place at eight venues in Norwich from Sunday, 14 - Sunday, 21 June, 2009. For more information, visit the Writers' Centre Norwich website.