A special multicultural event celebrating the contributions of New Scots to Scotland’s cultural life, is set to take place in Edinburgh this weekend as part of Refugee Festival Scotland.
The New Scots Extravaganza, organised by Hibernian Community Foundation, will bring together performers from Scottish, Ukrainian, Crimean Tatar, African, Afghan and Indian communities through music, dance and storytelling.
Taking place on World Refugee Day, this Saturday 20 June, at Edinburgh’s Norton Park, the performances will celebrate community, art and culture, championing the diverse cultures that contribute to life in Scotland and exploring themes of roots, memory, displacement, resilience and belonging.
Combining authentic cultural expression with moments of artistic collaboration, the event highlights how diverse traditions continue to live, evolve and enrich the cultural life of Edinburgh.
The New Scots Extravaganza aims to create a space where communities are seen, heard and valued, and where Scotland is celebrated as a place shaped by many voices, stories and cultures.
Organiser Vitaliia Melnyk said: “For me, this event is important because it creates a space where people from different backgrounds can be seen, heard and valued. It is an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity, and recognise the experiences, contributions and stories of people who have made Scotland their new home.
“As a Ukrainian living in Scotland, I have seen how culture can create connection, even when people come from very different places. New Scots Extravaganza is about building those connections and showing that Scotland is enriched by the people who have arrived here and become part of its communities.”
This year’s Refugee Festival Scotland sees hundreds of events staged across Scotland, all designed to put solidarity centre stage and bring people together in celebration of art, culture and community.
Run by Scottish Refugee Council, the annual festival showcases the music, dance, food, art, film, language and ideas that enrich communities.
Refugee Festival Scotland Manager, Mónica Laiseca said: “Refugee Festival Scotland is a festival for everyone. This year’s programme brings together artists, communities and audiences from across the country to share culture and time together in meaningful ways, with each event, artist and participant bringing their own perspective to the programme.
“We’re proud to showcase the creativity, resilience and hope that refugees bring to Scotland, and highlight the richness of culture that flourishes when everyone feels they belong. In a time when calls for unity and compassion are more important than ever, this festival is a reminder of what we can achieve together.”
New Scots Extravaganza takes place at Norton Park, Edinburgh at 2pm, Saturday 20 June and is free to attend.
