The evening began with singing from Southsea Community Choir outside the cathedral as guests arrived. There was then plenty of free food on offer from those involved with the Kitchen of Hope project.

The chair of trustees for Portsmouth City of Sanctuary, Malcolm Little, invited guests to help celebrate the fifth birthday of the grassroots humanitarian charity, which has offered support to those seeking sanctuary in a variety of ways. And Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens from our cathedral, offered a prayer of blessing on all those who have found a home in our city, and those who seek to welcome them.

Portsmouth Dance Academy kicked off the evening with a flamboyant routine, and there was also dancing later on from Bolivian dancers, El Salvador dancers and the Filipino Fan Dancers, all giving us a taste of traditional routines. 

The Portsmouth Chinese Dance Group showcased their graceful dance routines and two different sets of spectacular costumes. The audience was left breathless at their expertise. 

There was also piano-playing, singing, poetry and films to show during an evening in which aimed to showcase cultural and culinary contributions from those across our world. To find out more about Refugee Week, see: www.refugeeweek.org.uk