Refugee Week Summer Festival 2026
Celebrate the rich cultures of Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia at ACAA's annual Refugee Week Summer Festival 2026!
On Sunday 21st June Cranford Community College in Hounslow will come alive with the vibrant traditions of Afghanistan, Iran and Central and South Asia, offering an unforgettable experience of music, dance, art and culinary delights.
Honoured Host:
This year's festival is privileged to be hosted for the third time by a distinguished figure: Nazira Karimi, the acclaimed US-based Afghan journalist
Event Details:
Date & Time: 21st June 2026 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Cranford Community College, High Street, Hounslow TW5 9PD
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible
Cultural Experiences. Captivating Performances:
Traditional dances and folk performances
Live music featuring the Rubab, Tabla and Harmonium
Appearances by celebrated artists including Sharafat Parwani and Farid Chakawak
Central Asian Culinary Journey:
Sample authentic dishes from across the region:
Afghan favourites: Kabuli pulao, Mantu dumplings, Kebab
Diverse Central and South Asian offerings from multiple food vendors
Vegetarian and Vegan options available
Artisan Marketplace:
Handcrafted Afghan jewellery and Persian miniatures
Traditional carpets and embroidery
Calligraphy demonstrations
Family-Friendly Activities:
Face painting and traditional games
Henna art
Storytelling sessions
About the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA): The ACAA is a UK-registered charity with a profound mission to support refugees and promote cultural understanding. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE, an Afghan refugee who arrived in the UK after a harrowing escape from the Taliban, the organisation has grown into a vital lifeline for displaced communities.
Key ACAA Initiatives Include:
Education Programs: Providing ESOL classes, IT training, and mentoring to help refugees integrate into British society.
Women's Empowerment: Offering specialized support services, language courses, and vocational training for refugee women.
Legal Advocacy: Assisting with immigration cases and family reunification.
Cultural Preservation: Hosting events like this festival to celebrate and maintain Central Asian heritage in the diaspora.
Community Support: Running food banks, mental health services, and youth programmes.
Dr. Nasimi's inspirational journey from refugee to MBE recipient embodies the resilience ACAA fosters in all its beneficiaries. The organisation continues to be at the forefront of refugee support, having helped thousands rebuild their lives in the UK.
Practical Information:Parking: £7.50/day (priority for blue badge holders)
Tickets:- Adults: £15 (online) / £20 (gate)- Children (5-16): £5 | Under 5s: FREE |
No alcohol or pets (service animals exempt)
Why Attend?
Your participation directly supports ACAA's vital work with refugee communities while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia. All proceeds go toward maintaining ACAA's education and integration programmes.
Join us for this celebration of resilience, culture and community!
"When we share our cultures, we build bridges of understanding that last generations."
Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE
Celebrate the rich cultures of Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia at ACAA's annual Refugee Week Summer Festival 2026!
On Sunday 21st June Cranford Community College in Hounslow will come alive with the vibrant traditions of Afghanistan, Iran and Central and South Asia, offering an unforgettable experience of music, dance, art and culinary delights.
Honoured Host:
This year's festival is privileged to be hosted for the third time by a distinguished figure: Nazira Karimi, the acclaimed US-based Afghan journalist
Event Details:
Date & Time: 21st June 2026 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Cranford Community College, High Street, Hounslow TW5 9PD
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible
Cultural Experiences. Captivating Performances:
Traditional dances and folk performances
Live music featuring the Rubab, Tabla and Harmonium
Appearances by celebrated artists including Sharafat Parwani and Farid Chakawak
Central Asian Culinary Journey:
Sample authentic dishes from across the region:
Afghan favourites: Kabuli pulao, Mantu dumplings, Kebab
Diverse Central and South Asian offerings from multiple food vendors
Vegetarian and Vegan options available
Artisan Marketplace:
Handcrafted Afghan jewellery and Persian miniatures
Traditional carpets and embroidery
Calligraphy demonstrations
Family-Friendly Activities:
Face painting and traditional games
Henna art
Storytelling sessions
About the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA): The ACAA is a UK-registered charity with a profound mission to support refugees and promote cultural understanding. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE, an Afghan refugee who arrived in the UK after a harrowing escape from the Taliban, the organisation has grown into a vital lifeline for displaced communities.
Key ACAA Initiatives Include:
Education Programs: Providing ESOL classes, IT training, and mentoring to help refugees integrate into British society.
Women's Empowerment: Offering specialized support services, language courses, and vocational training for refugee women.
Legal Advocacy: Assisting with immigration cases and family reunification.
Cultural Preservation: Hosting events like this festival to celebrate and maintain Central Asian heritage in the diaspora.
Community Support: Running food banks, mental health services, and youth programmes.
Dr. Nasimi's inspirational journey from refugee to MBE recipient embodies the resilience ACAA fosters in all its beneficiaries. The organisation continues to be at the forefront of refugee support, having helped thousands rebuild their lives in the UK.
Practical Information:Parking: £7.50/day (priority for blue badge holders)
Tickets:- Adults: £15 (online) / £20 (gate)- Children (5-16): £5 | Under 5s: FREE |
No alcohol or pets (service animals exempt)
Why Attend?
Your participation directly supports ACAA's vital work with refugee communities while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia. All proceeds go toward maintaining ACAA's education and integration programmes.
Join us for this celebration of resilience, culture and community!
"When we share our cultures, we build bridges of understanding that last generations."
Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE
Good to know
Highlights
- 10 hours
- all ages
- In person
- Paid parking
Refund Policy
Location
Cranford Community College
High Street
Hounslow TW5 9PD
How do you want to get there?
