More than 200 people from over 25 countries and nations came together at Llangattock School on Sunday 14 June for a special Day of Welcome celebrating Refugee Week.

The event welcomed refugees from Swansea alongside local families, volunteers, schools, community groups and supporters from across the area. Blessed with beautiful weather, the day featured music, crafts, sport, food and opportunities for people from different backgrounds to meet, share experiences and enjoy time together.

A Warm Welcome

The following report was written by a year 6 pupil from Llangattock Church in Wales School:

“On Sunday the fourteenth of June 2026, our school held a Day of Welcome for Refugee Week. We invited refugees from Swansea, along with lots of other visitors, and more than 200 people came, from over 25 different countries/nations! It was exciting seeing everyone arrive looking forward to the day.

Once everyone was in the hall, we began by singing three songs: You’ve Got a Friend in Me, Count on Me, and Global Village. The visitors listened carefully and smiled, and it made the hall feel friendly and warm.

After the singing, people went outside or around the school to choose what they wanted to do. There were sports happening on the yard, craft activities inside, and places for people to sit and chat. Everywhere you looked, someone was playing or making something.

There were also tables with fruit and biscuits that people could enjoy throughout the day. Later on, at around 1 o’clock, dinner was served. There was a big choice of food, and everyone sat together to eat. The food was delicious, thank you!

In the afternoon, the activities carried on. At about 2:30, a group walk set off to the church and around the village and they came back just after 3 o’clock.

When the day finished, people said goodbye and thanked us for hosting. Later on, HBTSR sent messages to Mrs Durbin to say how much they appreciated everything. One message said how wonderful the day had been, and another said they were grateful for all the effort that went into making it special.

We also want to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up, run activities, serve food, and make everyone feel welcome. The day wouldn’t have been the same without them.”

Further thoughts

Reflecting on the day, Mrs Durbin , Head Teacher said:

“My heart feels so full. It’s been an amazing day. So very glad that we could do it.”

Visitors later sent messages describing the event as “wonderful”, “incredible” and “an enjoyable experience”. Many commented on the warm welcome they received, the delicious food and the kindness shown by everyone involved.

Thank You

This event could not have happened without the enormous support of Llangattock School, including all staff, pupils and families, together with Headteacher Mrs Durbin The support of the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher of Crickhowell Primary School was also greatly appreciated.

Special thanks go to Rowland for coordinating the many offers of help and support, sourcing food and helping to plan the day. Thanks are also due to the many supporters who arrived with food, energy and enthusiasm.

We are grateful to Tim, Philip, Adil and Ailsa for welcoming visitors; to Sally, Melrose, Nadia, Odile, Lynne, Gaynor, Mary and the wider kitchen team; to Claire and her colleague for face painting; to Carol, Ginny and Amanda from the Art Hub for the craft activities; to the sports team and Llangattock staff; to Liz, Lawrence and Nadia for leading the walk; to the church community for welcoming visitors; to the PCSOs who visited with the police vehicle and dressing-up resources; and to Nadia and Tim for providing plants and flowers.

We would also like to thank local businesses including Crickhowell Bakery, Natural Weigh and Janssons of Brecon for their generous donations and support.

A Day to Remember

The Day of Welcome was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together with kindness, generosity and friendship. It created opportunities for new friendships, shared experiences and lasting memories, and demonstrated the true spirit of Refugee Week.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, organised or supported the event. Together, you made the day something very special.

As the day came to a close, visitors and organisers alike expressed gratitude for the shared experience. The event stood as a powerful example of community welcome, cooperation, and kindness across cultures and backgrounds.

The Day of Welcome demonstrated how shared food, music, creativity, and conversation can bring people together and create lasting memories for everyone involved.

POSTERS MADE BY PUPILS TO INVITE PEOPLE TO ATTEND.

Thanks from Swansea

Thank you so much, I loved the trip, the place was beautiful, the people who welcomed us were very kind and charming, my children had a lot of fun, I appreciate you considering us, it was a wonderful trip, thank you very much

‘m so happy to go to those beautiful places and meet those kind people.
Thank you very much. It was a nice place. Thank you all

Thanks
We really appreciate the trip 🙏
It was an enjoyable experience

Very nice

thank you for the opportunity for today’s trip, it’s was amazing day, good people, delicious food and awesome country side view… very much appreciated

Thank you for the trip, we had fun 😊

thank you very much for today’s trip. Everything was great, especially the weather. We enjoyed it. I wish you happiness.

Good afternoon, thank you for the trip, it was incredible

Hi I am G. thanks for trip

Hi, this is my feedback.
My favourite parts of the event were the children singing, the food, and the clay modelling. I have more, but I will leave those for now. Thank you to the staff.

We are very grateful for yesterday’s outing, it was very nice, it’s very good because we get to relax and spend time with other people, thank you very much.

Hello Thanu. We had a great trip. It was fun being with the people of LLANGATTOCK. Before we left, I wrote a thank you message for the team.
Thank you for the opportunity.

Rowland and others serving food.