The nationwide programme of arts, cultural and educational events and activities, takes place from 17-23 June at locations across the city.
This year’s theme, ‘Me, you and those who came before’ celebrates the contribution of refugees to the UK. Journeys Festival International Leicester, produced by local cultural development charity Artreach, has worked with a number of partners across the city to create a whole week of events, exhibitions and activities for all to enjoy.
Kick starting the busy week of events in Leicester will be free family activities on Saturday 15 June with the British Red Cross. Sponsored by DMU local, Jubilee Square will be filled with diverse music, dance and craft. On Saturday 22 June, the British Red Cross will also finish the week off with a free ‘World Cup’ football tournament. Locals can enter teams to compete for a prize at St Margaret’s Pastures while audiences cheer on the fun.
To mark the occasion, LCB Depot will host the return of photographer Farhad Berahman’s exhibition ‘Stamps to Elsewhere’ from Journeys Festival International Leicester 2018. Brought together for the first time at LCB Depot from Monday 17 June to Friday 28 June, it will complement a series of workshops with Sparkenhoe Primary School as part of a collaboration between Farhad, ArtReach, and Leicester Print Workshop.
People are invited to explore one of Leicester city centres hidden gems, All Saints Church on Highcross Street. Thanks to The Churches Conservation Trust, ArtReach is turning this ancient medieval church into the latest cultural, heritage and arts venue for the city. During refugee week, the church will be filled with creative and interactive art installations, all of which have been created by local young people as part of The Y Heritage funded project, Sanctuaries.
These young people, from Attenborough Arts Centre and the Y Leicester, have been exploring historical sites of Sanctuary and working with a professional theatre director and set builder to transform this ancient space into a contemporary art installation, which visitors can drop in to explore, for free, from 12pm-7pm on 21 and 22 June.
More artistic inspiration for all ages will be available through ‘Welcome to the Museum’ on Sunday 23 June. Visitors to New Walk Museum will be the first to see a series of new artworks created by members of Journeys Festival International ROOTS Group with local artist George Sfougaras. This marks the ‘Coming Home’ of the National Portrait Gallery’s Richard III portrait and through a host of free activities, attendees can explore the question – ‘What is Home?’
To add a dash of global cuisine to the week, Soft Touch Arts will be hosting a free pop-up café on Thursday 20 June as volunteers introduce us to vegetarian and vegan food from around the world.
