Organisers of a nationwide festival heading to the area insist this year's event will celebrate the positive contribution refugees make to life in Scotland. 

Refugee Festival Scotland has launched a packed programme of summer events designed to bring communities together with the theme of hope running through proceedings.

The festival, organised by the Scottish Refugee Council, will run from June 16 - 25 and will feature over 100 events - many of them free.

Two are heading to the area with Clydebank hosting a coffee morning at Centre81 in Whitecrook and Drumchapel's Friendship House putting on 'A Day of Hope and Friendship.'

Sabir Zazai, CEO of the Scottish Refugee Council, hopes this year's festival will be a chance to showcase the good that those coming to Scotland to claim asylum can bring to local authority areas in the face of recent controversial UK government proposals.

Sabir said: “Sharing and celebrating the stories of people who have settled in Scotland and the positive difference they make to our communities is more important than ever.

"Especially right now, when the right to claim asylum is under threat and politicians are using racist, anti-migrant language, which stirs up hatred, fear and division.  

“Refugee Festival Scotland offers a positive and hopeful vision for community life in Scotland.

"When people are welcomed, supported and made to feel at home in their new neighbourhoods, they go on to thrive.

"The festival shows off our communities at their best by bringing people from different backgrounds together to build understanding and celebrate diversity, friendship and solidarity."

Clydebank Post: The festival's theme this year is that of hopeThe festival's theme this year is that of hope (Image: Supplied)

Events are organised by community groups whose members have settled in Scotland after escaping wars and persecution in countries including Sudan, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Eritrea, Iran and many other parts of the world.   

Across the country, there will be film screenings, fashion shows, community picnics, dance workshops and musical performances to cooking classes, football tournaments and much more.

Sabir added: “I would encourage everyone to take part if you can and sample the colours, flavours and atmosphere of the festival. 

"Come along and try food you’ve never tried, hear music you’ve never heard, dance like you’ve never danced, and celebrate with people you might not otherwise get the chance to meet.

"We hope you can join us for this unique celebration of art, culture and community.” 

The Moments of Freedom Community Coffee at Centre81 will take place on June 20 between 12.30pm to 2pm.

Drumchapel will follow on June 24 between 10am and 2pm.

For a full list of events, visit refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk