Oxford City Council, in partnership with local organisations, is hosting the second annual Oxford Sanctuary Fair on Thursday 13 June 2024, from 1:30pm to 6:00pm at Oxford Town Hall.
The Oxford Sanctuary Fair is a community event celebrating Oxford and Oxfordshire as places of sanctuary for residents from diverse backgrounds. The fair, which is free to attend, will feature exhibitions, live music and market stalls showcasing local initiatives, as well as interactive workshops for attendees to participate in.
The free event is part of the national Refugee Week celebrations taking place from 17 to 23 June 2024. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of sanctuary, as well as connect refugees, asylum seekers and migrants with local community members and service providers.
Oxford is a diverse city, with one in three residents born overseas. This contributes to a strong local economy, especially in sectors like healthcare, hospitality and higher education. However, many have faced challenging journeys, particularly those seeking refuge from war or persecution.
Since signing the City of Sanctuary Charter in 2019, Oxford City Council has actively supported resettlement work and is committed to becoming an accredited Local Authority of Sanctuary. The City Council continues to work towards making Oxford a more inclusive city through the Local Authority of Sanctuary programme.
Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said:
“We are proud to be partners in the Oxford Sanctuary Fair again this year. Events like these are vital for celebrating our city's diversity and the contributions of all our residents. We are committed to hearing and acting on the voices from across all our communities. Our goal is to make Oxford a welcoming and inclusive city for everyone.”
Residents interested in attending the event can find out more and register online.
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