​Events will showcase the country's growing diversity

Refugee Festival Scotland has announced its full programme of events for 2019.

The annual arts and culture festival celebrates Scotland’s growing diversity and showcases the talents of people with refugee backgrounds.

More than 100 events will take place across Scotland over the course of ten days in June (20–30).

From Syrian food to Ethiopian poetry, football to dance, visual art and family days, the festival has something for everyone.

Highlights include a public art installation by Berlin-based artist Manaf Halbouni and the UK premiere of work by Edinburgh-based dancer and choreographer Farah Saleh.

The theme of this year’s festival - Making Art, Making Home - highlights the creativity and strength required to rebuild a sense of home in an insecure and often hostile environment.

This year, around 4000 people sought refugee protection in Scotland, becoming our new neighbours, friends and colleagues.

Refugee Festival Scotland producer Soizig Carey said: “The whole point of our festival is about opening up doors and creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to meet and get to know each other. It’s a really positive celebration of the skills, talents and creativity of people making their homes and rebuilding their lives in Scotland.

“The festival gives audiences the chance to say welcome to people who have recently arrived in Scotland and to be part of a positive movement of friendship and solidarity with people seeking safety here.

“This year’s programme is bursting with creativity and we’re convinced audiences will leave feeling inspired and uplifted.”

The festival is coordinated by Scottish Refugee Council, an independent charity that supports people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.

Full programme listings here are available here.