West London is set to host one of the most dynamic multicultural festivals of the year, as the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) presents the UK’s Largest Refugee Week Summer Festival on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June 2025 at Cranford Community College, Hounslow.
Spanning two days of live performances, food, family activities, and cultural celebration, the festival is expected to draw more than 7,000 people from across the UK—making it one of the largest refugee week festivals in the country. Organised by the ACAA, an award-winning charity supporting refugees and migrants, the event will spotlight the resilience and creativity of diaspora communities in a joyful, public celebration of culture, identity, and unity.
The festival opens on Saturday with Hounslow Mela – London’s Biggest Desi Mela 2025, a full day of South Asian arts, food, and entertainment. Audiences can expect high-energy performances from Bollywood and Bhangra artists, classical musicians, and spoken word poets, alongside over 50 food and artisan stalls. The atmosphere shifts on Sunday for the Afghan Summer Festival 2025, a first-of-its-kind platform celebrating Afghan music and folk traditions. Afghan and Central Asian singers, dancers, and poets will take centre stage, offering a rare opportunity to experience rich cultural expressions from communities often underrepresented in mainstream arts spaces.
The weekend will feature more than 35 live performers, a children’s area with funfair rides and face painting, and a 360° photo booth experience. Community leaders, artists, and local community groups will also take to the stage for short speeches, uniting messages of joy, belonging, and compassion.
“This isn’t just a festival—it’s a statement,” said Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE, Founder and Director of the ACAA. “At a time when migration is so often politicised, we want to create space to honour the beauty, strength, and stories of those who move. This is joy as resistance. Celebration as solidarity.”
Low-cost ticketing has been deliberately set to ensure accessibility for all, with both Eventbrite links available online. The festival is also calling on community members and organisations to get involved by co-promoting the event, sponsoring performances or stalls, or donating temporary use of gazebos and tents for vendors.
The event takes place at Cranford Community College, High Street, Hounslow, TW5 9PD, from 10am to 8pm on both days. Press and photographers are welcome. Interview opportunities are available with performers, sponsorship partners, community groups, and Dr Nasimi MBE.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and partners who have made this celebration possible. Special thanks to Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Global Banking School, MB Chicken, Bakhtar, Basuri Events, Mann Travel, Asian Star Radio, and many others whose support has helped bring this event to life.
