A powerful day of talks and discussion will launch Refugee Week in Wells on Tuesday 17 June – with writers, campaigners, politicians and local voices coming together to explore what it really means to seek safety.

One of the keynote speakers is Gulwali Passarlay, whose best-selling autobiography The Lightless Sky tells the true story of his journey as a 12-year-old refugee, travelling alone from Afghanistan to the UK after being separated from his brother. His experiences highlight the real dangers faced by children fleeing conflict and the resilience needed to survive.

Gulwali's talk offers an honest, personal look at the refugee experience, and invites the audience to reflect on how communities can respond with empathy and action.

He'll be joined by Inna Prykhodko from Wells Welcome Hub, Patti Rundall OBE, and other speakers from across the UK for a day-long programme of talks and a Q&A panel in the afternoon.

The event runs from 9.30am to 4pm in the Wells Cathedral Education Room. Tickets are only £5 and are available here.

Throughout the week, a thought-provoking exhibition on the refugee experience will also be on display in the Cathedral Cloisters.