A 'Welcome Picnic' for refugees has been held in Flintshire with entertainment, magic and plants.
Fifty refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria attended the event in Greenfield last Sunday (July 3).
The refugees were mainly from Ukraine but also from Syria and Afghanistan, including a one-month-old baby born in the UK after her parents fled from Afghanistan.
READ MORE: Ukrainian refugees set to stay in Wrexham and Flintshire
The event was held at the Valley Community Garden in Greenfield and was organised by the Transition Holywell and District with support from Flintshire City of Sanctuary and Dave Jolly of Flintshire Council.
A spokesman for the Transition group said: “We wanted to let refugees now living in Flintshire know that they are welcome here.
“It’s extremely hard for us to imagine how it must be for them, suddenly landing in another country, often not knowing the language, and no doubt longing to be back with those left behind in their own country – if only it was safer”.
Guests were welcomed by a ‘Croeso Quilt’ made by members of the Flintshire City of Sanctuary and a 'Welcome Banner of Flags' commissioned by the Transition group for the event.
Entertainment for the event was provided by the Tanglers Morris Dancing troupe who taught the guests how to ‘Dance the Morris’, as well as a performance from young harpist Teleri McGuiness and Welsh singer Hazel Ogden.
READ MORE: Transport for Wales creates arrival hub for Ukrainians in Wrexham
Those attending were able to enjoy the warm weather and make connections with others whilst the children were kept busy with a magic show from Professor Llusern, Chris Baglin.
MS for Delyn, Hannah Blythin gave an address to the group and reflected on the Welsh government’s aim to make Wales a 'Nation of Sanctuary'.
The event was also attended by Mayor of Holywell Cllr Ian Holdge and representatives from the North Wales Equality Network.
Father Dominic Caldwell, The Vicar of Holywell, was also in attendance and invited refugees to “The Table” a shared meal that allows visitors to access food essentials, support and company.
The table takes place every Monday 12-2pm at St Peter's Church.
READ MORE: St Peter's Church in Holywell hosts 'The Table' for community
The event was funded with the help of a grant from the Flintshire Community Fund and much-needed extra financial support from Kingspan PLC and Flint and Holywell Rotary.
Discussing future events, a spokesperson from the group said: “Our next project is to create an international recipe booklet with recipes offered by the refugees – as well as some from Britain.
“We have already received one from the Crimean region of Ukraine and one of the resettled Afghans even wanted to provide a future cooking demonstration”.
At the end of the International Solidarity picnic guests were invited to take a potted plant containing sunflowers as a gift.
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