In a powerful celebration of unity, diversity, and inclusion, Brecon High School marked its newly awarded School of Sanctuary status by hosting its largest ever Welcome Day, in collaboration with Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR). The event welcomed around 280 guests, representing over 28 different countries, and created a joyful space for families, pupils, and community members to come together in solidarity.
The day began with light rain but quickly brightened, setting the tone for an uplifting and spirited event. Attendees were greeted by a warm welcome desk and invited to enjoy a rich programme of activities, food, and entertainment. From crafting flower bouquets and pottery to face painting, origami, and circus skills, there was something for everyone. Young children enjoyed a play area and sports including football, table tennis, archery, and basketball, led by Powys Sports Development Officer Nicola Jones.
The event also featured live music, including a performance by local children’s group Spym, whose songs and actions encouraged crowd participation and created a festival-like atmosphere. Guests were also able to browse donated clothes, kitchenware, and toys, with many families taking items home.
A central part of the celebration was the abundant feast provided thanks to support from Bwyd Powys Food and generous donations/purchases from local businesses such as Zeera, Gail of the Comfort Kitchen, Pobl Bakery, Alfie Dan’s Market Garden, Janet Williams, Matthews’ Greengrocers Brecon Market ,Claires Wholefood, Cathy and Dennis at Abergavenny Market, and Black Mountains College. Volunteers and community members contributed delicious home-cooked dishes, cakes, and fruit—including handpicked strawberries and locally grown cherries. The scene was completed by handmade orange heart pins, created by Amanda, to raise funds for HBTSR.
The Welcome Day also marked the official handover of funds raised through an art exhibition at Found Gallery, further reinforcing the community’s commitment to supporting people seeking sanctuary.
Organisers Rowland, Sally, and Meriel, along with the school’s Sanctuary Committee of pupils, were widely praised for their meticulous planning and commitment to hospitality. Their efforts created a day that many visitors described as “amazing,” “peaceful,” and “a truly fantastic experience.”
One attendee from Swansea said:
“The kids had a wonderful time — from playing football and face painting to enjoying the open space. It was lovely to see families relaxing and having fun together.”
Another added:
“We felt happy, enjoyed a peaceful atmosphere, and shared time with kind and friendly people. Thank you for everything.”
In his closing remarks, organiser Rowland offered a powerful reflection on the day’s significance:
“Today we have people from at least 28 different countries, with different religions and cultures, all enjoying time together, eating together, playing together. Brecon High School is the epitome of ‘welcome’ and shows us we have nothing to fear from people who are different — in fact, we have much to gain. Immigration has brought immense benefit to our society. Today, here, we are not an ‘island of strangers’ — we are an island of friendship, solidarity, and togetherness.”
The Welcome Day served not only as a celebration of the school’s achievement, but also as a powerful reminder of the strength found in compassion, shared humanity, and the spirit of welcome.
Thanks from Swansea
We really enjoyed and the kids had fun the food was amazing aswel thank you x
As ever it is great to attend the Brecon trip. We felt happy, enjoyed a peaceful atmosphere sharing with kind and friendly people. Please extend our thanks for the community and supporters of this project.
Thanu, thanks for your efforts to contribute to people’s happiness 🌻.
It was absolutely very good trip your management was perfect we enjoyed thanks
Thank you so much for everything. We had a pleasant journey. I want to say a big thank you! It was a truly fantastic experience for all of us.
The children had a wonderful time — from playing football and table tennis to face painting and enjoying the open space. It was lovely to see families relaxing and having fun together.
Cannot wait to be listed in the upcoming trips.
Thank you 💐🙏
The trip was very nice, we arrived very safe, thank God everything was very good, very nice. Thank you very much, my God bless you. Please keep us in mind for any trips you may have.
It was a great event, a chance to meet and chat with other interesting people. My family had a great time. The food was delicious and the entertainment was fun. My sincere thanks to the organizers of this trip.
Hi, thank you for the trip. It was full of nice activities and food. All the best, Jennie.
Hi Thanu, it’s was amazing day out to Brecon high school community, we were so welcoming and feels so connected, thank you so much for the valuable opportunity for me and my family.
Hi, thank so much, for everything. The trip was wonderful. God bless you
I really liked this trip. There were entertainment and games for the kids. The charity of children’s clothes and shoes was beautifully laid out, many children returned home with toys.
Everyone made small bouquets of flowers and there was a new activity – a pottery wheel.
It was a very pleasant meeting with the organizers, new acquaintances. And even the weather was conducive to outdoor sports games. Thank you, we had a great time today!
Thank you we had a good time me and my daughter. Nice people good food.we look forward for next time
We had a wonderful trip to Brecon and thoroughly enjoyed all the activities. The food was delicious, and everyone was very welcoming.
Hi, Thank you so much. It was a great experience and I had a really good time. Everything was excellent . the food, the service, and everyone was very kind. Thanks for everything!
https://www.brecon-radnor.co.uk/news/brecon-high-school-hosts-biggest-ever-welcome-day-812210