Portsmouth City of Sanctuary is delighted to invite you to Portsmouth Refugee Week 2026 taking place 15-21 June across the City of Portsmouth, hosted by 432 Nomads and supported by Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth City of Sanctuary.
‘Courage at home’ is the inspiration for this year’s Refugee Week with a fantastic range of creative events, curated by 432 Nomads in collaboration with local venues, organisations and artists working with Portsmouth’s refugees.
The Refugee Week Launch event ‘Courage at Home’ will take place at Aspex Portsmouth on Monday 15 June 2026 at 6pm. It will be a special evening bringing together communities, partners, artists and residents to celebrate the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Through inspiring stories, creative performances, and community connections, we will explore what it means to find, create, and share a sense of home.
As valued partners, your presence would help make this celebration even more meaningful as we come together to promote inclusion, belonging, and solidarity across our city. Don’t miss out on this impactful evening, save the date! Book via Eventbrite Refugee Week Launch.
Explore the full Refugee Week Programme
Throughout the week, Portsmouth will host a diverse programme of events including storytelling, poetry, live music, rap performances, cultural celebrations, immersive art experiences and there will be opportunities to connect with communities from across the city.
Scan the QR code below to view all events and reserve your free tickets. Or visit the ‘Courage at home’ collection of events taking place during the week.
Mon 15 June 2026, 6-8pm: Refugee Week Launch, 6-8pm, Aspex.
Other Refugee Week events:
Tue 16 June, 12pm Courage’s Written Story, Cosham Library
Wed 17 June, 6pm Lets Rap About it!, Bobby’s Lounge
Thu 18 June, 6pm Courage at The BASE, Portsmouth Guildhall
Fri 19 June, 1pm Coffee Shop Conversation, Aspex
Fri 19 June, 6pm Iranian night of culture, St Luke’s Church Café
Sat 20 June, 7pm Alchemy of Art, Coastguard Studio
Sun 21 June, 12-5pm 432 Fratton, St Mary’s Churchyard
To close Refugee Week this year, residents across Portsmouth are invited to come together for 432 Fratton – a free community celebration taking place at St Mary’s Churchyard as part of Portsmouth100 and Refugee Week 2026. The event will bring together live performance, community activities and celebrations showcasing the diversity, creativity and resilience of Portsmouth’s communities. The day will also include the annual Inspiring Fratton Awards. 432 Fratton is presented in partnership with Crying Out Loud, 432 Nomads and Fratton Together.
All events are free with the option to donate when attending. Anything given will be gratefully received and goes towards a range of initiatives delivered by Portsmouth City of Sanctuary to improve the wellbeing of people seeking sanctuary. If you can’t attend any of the events, feel free to donate here.
Events Listing Portsmouth Refugee Week – Book now!
Refugee Week 2026 is also being celebrated in Portsmouth by Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre who are producing a film festival with films showing on 16, 17, 18 and 21 June. Book your tickets here.
