To mark Refugee Week 2026, Derby is celebrating the communities, cultures, and stories that have shaped the city’s history through a variety of art and cultural events. 

This year’s theme for Refugee Week is “courage”. It highlights the bravery required to face unknown journeys, learn new languages, rebuild lives, and step into an uncertain world. It also calls on everyone to share their courage by standing up for what they believe in, welcoming others, and engaging in simple acts of kindness. 

In Derby, this provides an opportunity to recognise the contributions of refugees living in Derby and to reflect on the rich history of communities who have made Derby their home and who went on to build lasting legacies. 

During the Spanish Civil War, 50 children came to Derby as refugees and lived at Burnaston House - now the site of the Toyota Burnaston site – between 1937 and 1938 as part of a national effort to protect them from the horrors of war. 

During the Second World War, Derby also became the temporary home to around 270 Belgian refugees, many of whom made Derby their permanent home after the war ended.

One of the earliest refugee groups in the city was Ukrainian refugees, whose stories remain an important part of Derby’s history in welcoming communities. The Association of Ukrainians in Derby branch was formally established on 10 November 1947, bringing together families who had arrived in the city following the Second World War. The branch officially moved into its premises at 15 Charnwood Street in 1947 and went on to purchase its current home at 27 Charnwood Street, creating a permanent base for future generations.

The Association has served the community for more than six decades, promoting Ukrainian culture, arts and heritage, and promoting multi-cultural understanding between communities. 

Nearly 50 years later, Derby became home to people fleeing conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s. In 1995, a group of refugees established the Derby Bosnia-Herzegovina Community Association to support families who were rebuilding their lives in the UK. The Association helped people to access education, housing, training, and support, and developed into a thriving community organisation. 

Members of the Bosnian community also went on to help and support other refugees who arrived in Derby and the association is now a hub for community support, cultural activities and integration, helping people establish a new life in the city. 

Both community associations are a reminder of the positive contributions that refugee communities have made to Derby, with a shared legacy of helping others and continuing to support the city’s cultural and economic life. 

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Safety said: 

Refugee Week 2026 gives us all an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our communities, cultures, and the stories of those who had the courage to make Derby their home after fleeing from conflict and violence and contributed so much to our city’s economy and culture.

We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive city for everyone, and through events of celebration, awareness and understanding, we are celebrating the many communities that make Derby a vibrant and diverse city. 

A full programme of events that will be taking place during Refugee Week 2026 is available on the Derby City of Sanctury page. Highlights include:

  • Hello Derby – A Festival of Welcome on Saturday 20 June from 11am to 3pm at Derby Market Hall
  • Steps Towards Tomorrow Workshop on Tuesday 16 June at Derby Refugee Forum. This is a three-hour creative workshop that invites participants to create functional footwear from upcycled materials
  • A BBQ at Susanna Wesley House on Friday 19 June from 10am to 3pm, celebrating 10 years of the organisation with dancing and cake
  • Parkrun with Refugees on Saturday 20 June from 8:45am at Markeaton Park. The event invites attendees to walk or 5km around the park with up to 500 people.