Diss has been marking national refugee week with a series of events

Diss has been marking national refugee week with a series of events.

Three local organisations came together to celebrate cultures from around the world. Diss has a long history of welcoming people fleeing violence and persecution including those fleeing religious oppression, antisemitism and war.

In recent years, Park Hotel, in Park Road, has also been used as a temporary home for asylum-seeking families. There were far right protests which led to the formation of Diss a Town of Sanctuary, within the City of Sanctuary movement.

No 8 Market Place also hosted three events. Diss Museum manager Basil Abbott gave an illustrated talk on the different cultures that have moved to Diss over the years – from Romans to Americans. Fabric artist Caroline Hyde-Brown showed how embroidery can capture the natural world.

On Thursday, women were invited to try out dances from different countries. And tomorrow, there is an opportunity to see a 2023 film about the relationship between an exiled Palestinian film maker and Gaza.

Brian Guthrie, of Diss Town of Sanctuary, said: “The town is more diverse than you might think. It’s right that we celebrate that fact – giving out information and by staging events that reflect the very positive benefits.”