Celebrating Syria: Festival of Arts and Culture at various Manchester venues

Much of what we hear about Syria revolves around the suffering caused by the ongoing war. However, an arts and culture festival taking place in mid-July aims to highlight other aspects of the country’s past and present. Celebrating Syria is a fortnight-long event which will take place at several venues around the city. There will be exhibitions, films, theatre, and live music. Much of the what is presented comes from artists who came to the UK after the 2011 uprising, and as such reflects the recent changes to Syria’s culture. Also taking place will be writers’ talks and panel discussions, including a presentation about independent cinema under a dictatorship. The festival is organised by the Rethink Rebuild Society, a local non-profit which aims to improve the lives of Syrians in the UK. There will be a small fee for entry to events, but admission is free for refugees and asylum seekers.

Mon 10 – Sun 23 Jul, Various Manchester venues, times and prices vary, celebratingsyria.org