Janine GriffithsMafwa Theatre’s annual Refugee Week event is set for its biggest year yet, expanding into a three day festival that will bring performances, workshops and community celebrations to the heart of Burmantofts. Running from 19 to 21 June 2026, the newly named Mafwa Midsummer will take over Roxby Community Garden, welcoming artists, performers and groups from across Leeds.
The community led festival will showcase a full programme of activity shaped around this year’s Refugee Week theme of Courage. Organisers highlight that courage can be found in many forms, from rebuilding life in a new country to stepping into a workshop for the first time or striking up a conversation with someone new.
Visitors can expect appearances from groups including Brave Words, Yorkshire Dance, Boom Chikka Boom, Kuluhenna Drama and performers such as Hind and the Jafar Cakes. The festival will offer drop in activities, exhibitions, music, play sessions and creative workshops suitable for all ages.
Residents are encouraged to visit for a single session or stay for extended performances, with free entry throughout the three days. No booking is required and programme details will be released soon.
Mafwa Midsummer is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund through Reaching Communities, The Tilehouse Trust and forms part of the Leeds City Council Leeds400 celebrations for 2026.
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