Join aid group in celebration of Refugee Week

The festival, which takes its name from iNEED founder Natasha Cadman’s baby daughter Hope, takes place from 1pm to 7pm at Hellens Manor in Much Marcle, Ledbury in Herefordshire. It will be a chance to meet new people, learn about different cultures and hear music from around the world, while sampling an amazing selection of food on offer.

Activities, food and drink will be free throughout the day in honour of Refugee Week.

The festival will also offer a range of activities and performances for the whole family, with music from refugees and local musicians, as well as storytelling and poetry.

Children will be able to enjoy face painting, hair braiding, yoga, circus skills and fancy dress. There will be also be a poetry corner and a football tournament. iNEED members have put together a recipe book and all proceeds from the sale will go towards an appeal by One Nation to help refugees in Yemen.

Mrs Cadman, said: “This event is an opportunity to welcome the refugees and asylum seekers living in our communities and to raise awareness for the many more displaced people who are unable to make it to safety.

“We’re lucky to have had the help and support of some wonderful people from Syria, Eritrea and the Yemen at iNEED.

“They bring with them the rich traditions of their homelands and the Hope Festival is an opportunity to celebrate these different cultures in beautiful surroundings.”

iNEED raises money and collects and sorts donations of aid at its Caldicot base, before sending them to Anaya Aid in Cardiff for transportation directly to Syria.

Anyone interested in helping the group is invited to bring clothes, bedding, non-perishable food or toiletries on the day of the festival. For more information on other drop-off points, contact refugeesineed@gmail.com

The iNEED team will be providing free transport for refugees and asylum seekers to the venue. Contact Mrs Cadman on 07810 8374462 for tickets.