All residents are invited to join an event to welcome new arrivals to Wokingham Borough.
The event, named “Wokingham Borough Welcomes New Arrivals”, is run by the council in partnership with its voluntary and community sector partners. It will be held on Saturday 16 July, from 12 noon to 6 pm, at Elms Field in Wokingham. The Council is keen to embrace the culture and diversity these new communities bring to the borough.
It’s the borough’s chance to welcome new residents, including more than 400 refugees from Ukraine as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, as well as families from Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Syria and other places who have moved to the area.
There will be a range of fun activities for children and families, at this free event. Those who are attending will be able to get food from stalls which will be available on the day or bring their own picnics with them to enjoy in the town centre green space.
Various council departments, charities and other partners will be running stalls on the day, including some which provide direct support and services to new arrivals and families hosting refugees. The get-together gives local people a chance to give those who have come to the area a proper welcome and build relationships.
Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council, said: “We’d like to welcome anyone who wishes to join us on the day to provide a warm welcome to those who have moved to our borough. This is a perfect chance to build relationships, make new connections, and be a fun day out for all the family.”
Elms Field lies in the heart of Wokingham town centre and is served by good public transport links, including train and bus. Carnival multi-storey car park is the closest parking to the event.