Leeds City of Sanctuary 2025
This summer, around 30 refugees, asylum seekers, organisers, and volunteers joined Leeds City of Sanctuary for a special day at the vibrant DeerShed Festival in North Yorkshire. Set in the rolling countryside near the town of Thirsk, DeerShed is an inclusive, family-friendly festival that blends music, arts, science, and comedy with a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. It’s known for being as relaxed as it is imaginative, a place where children paint alongside poets, and live bands share the stage with science experiments and storytelling tents.

Surrounded by thousands of festivalgoers, the Leeds City of Sanctuary group stood out, not just for their diversity, but for the warmth, energy, and sense of togetherness they brought.
For many, it was more than just a day out.
It felt like family.
It felt like home.

The day was filled with creativity, connection, and moments that touched the heart. One of the most powerful sessions was the poetry workshop, where people were invited to write from the heart. Many shared stories of their journeys, their feelings, and their hopes. It wasnโt uncommon to see a few tears, both from those writing and those listening.

Children had their own fun, getting messy with footprint painting and making beautiful bracelets in black and orange, the colours symbolising the mission of Leeds City of Sanctuary to stand with and support refugees and migrants. There was also a small badge-making machine, which became a big hit with children and adults alike. People wrote their names or short messages, pressed them into colourful badges, and wore them proudly. It was a simple, creative way for individuals to express themselves and feel part of the community.

Another fun and engaging activity was a Life in the UK mock quiz, held especially for the group. Children and adults eagerly joined in, excited to guess answers and learn together. And hereโs the interesting part, no one failed the quiz! It was a joyful, confidence-boosting moment that sparked laughter and great conversations about British culture and everyday life.
One especially moving moment came thanks to two young children, around seven years old, who saw the bracelet-making and remembered that at last yearโs festival, bracelets were sold to raise money for the charity. Inspired, they began making their own and set up a small space in front of the Leeds City of Sanctuary tent, offering them in exchange for donations. Their generosity and thoughtfulness touched everyone, a quiet but powerful moment that reminded us of all the kindness children carry naturally.

Later, the stage became a celebration of cultures as participants introduced themselves and said โhelloโ in their native languages, including Arabic (Salam Alaikum), Amharic (Selam), Russian (Zdravstvuyte), Persian (Dorood and Salam), and Zulu (Sawubona). Each greeting was spoken with pride, and traditional clothing from different countries lit up the space with colour and beauty. It was a joyful, proud, and unifying experience. cultures woven together on one welcoming stage.
That joy continued with an incredible drumming and dance session, led by talented African women from within the Leeds City of Sanctuary community. Their energy was contagious, soon, the crowd was clapping, dancing, and joining in. It was part of the Sanctuaryโs Got Talent showcase, and it turned the festival into a living celebration.

Another beautiful part of the day was the storytelling circle, where people shared tales from their childhoods, some funny, some wise, all deeply meaningful. It felt like being back home, gathered around with family, listening to voices that connect generations.

And of course, the food brought everyone together. Members of the group cooked and shared dishes close to their hearts, daal chawal (lentils and rice), sandwiches, chaat salad, biryani, and even pasta. Cooking and eating together reminded everyone that food is one of the most comforting and joyful ways to share love and culture.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the DeerShed Festival organizers and the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, whose funding and free tickets made this day of community and creativity accessible to all.
DeerShed was amazing! We had a great day with tons of activities. I loved getting involved. As a first timer, I’m so happy I came. Definitely would like to come again!
Belaynesh, City of Sanctuary, Volunteer
Throughout the days, the Leeds City of Sanctuary tent became more than just a space, it became a home. A place full of life, laughter, new friendships, and deep connection. People arrived as strangers but left as part of a larger, welcoming community.
Honestly, the festival was just incredible for me. Being out in nature really helped me feel a sense of peace and healing. I met so many wonderful people, and we had such an amazing time. Everything I learned and felt there is definitely something I’ll carry with me as I move forward.
Sam, City of Sanctuary, Volunteer
The DeerShed Festival was far more than a celebration of music or art, it was a celebration of people: their resilience, their cultures, and their shared sense of belonging. Leeds City of Sanctuary was honored to be part of this experience, grateful for the chance to show what genuine welcome truly looks and feels like.
Written by: Bas. A. Formoly