Sanctuary 2027 is a programme of events and community led initiatives that will reaffirm our ongoing and collective commitment to being a place of safety and welcome.

Sanctuary 2027 will exist across Sheffield combining large scale events with community led initiatives that celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to being a place of sanctuary.

This is our opportunity to bring people together from the many communities of Sheffield to vocally acknowledge and build on this commitment for the benefit of all. 

Sanctuary 2027 is a collaborative effort between Stand and Be Counted Theatre and City of Sanctuary Sheffield with initial seed funding from Sheffield City Council. 

Who is Sanctuary 2027 for?

Sanctuary 2027 is for everyone who has a role to play in building a welcoming city. It is designed for three key audiences:

 “I am also proud to announce that Sheffield is endorsing the City of Sanctuary Campaign. This gives a commitment to actively welcoming refugees.”

- Arthur Dungworth, Lord Mayor of Sheffield. June 2007. 

Who do we mean when we say people seeking sanctuary/sanctuary seekers?

A woman with long dark hair, smiling, wearing a white lace sweater, standing in front of a textured brick wall, engaged in conversation with a man whose back is to the camera, wearing a blue shirt.

People seeking sanctuary is an inclusive term that refers to people who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety and protection. It includes refugees, people seeking asylum, and, where relevant to our work, other newly arrived migrants who may have come to Sheffield in search of safety, protection, and a chance to rebuild their lives.

Gallery view of a group of people seated in a semi-circle inside an art gallery or museum, with colorful tapestries and textiles displayed on the walls, seen through an archway with decorative wall art.
A man and a woman sitting together, smiling, in a cozy indoor setting with a decorative rug on the wall and large green plants in the background.

What’s On