Amersham, June 21st 2025

On Saturday 21 June, St. Michael’s Square hosted Amersham’s third annual event to mark national Refugee Week and celebrate our diverse community, past and present. Organised by Chiltern Welcomes and Amersham Museum, with support from Amersham Action Group, Bucks County Council, Rotary, Rotate and Tesco, the proceedings were officially opened by Buckinghamshire High Sheriff, Pippa Kirkbride. Amersham Mayor, Simon Woodhead was also in attendance. Performances throughout the day from Heatherton House School choir, St. Mary’s Ukrainian School, and a Bollywood workshop from Jazzs Dance Company created a vibrant buzz.

There were activities for families provided by Chiltern Welcomes and Amersham Museum, with many children making superhero badges linked to the national theme of Community as a Superpower. People also enjoyed henna painting, the cake stall and tombola, as well as an opportunity to read stories of refugees to the local area from the 1400s to the present day, and share their family’s own story.

Our Afghan seamstress delighted us with her creations. Visitors were also able to taste delicious Syrian, Afghan, Indian and Ukrainian food. With the whole event broadcast live by Chiltern Voice, it was a joyous way to get to know our neighbours and have fun in the process.

Thank you to photographer Abuzar Atiffi (Noori Foto) from Afghanistan, for capturing images on the day