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20 Jun 2026: Where Courage Lives – Music Festival

Date: 20 Jun 2026

Time: 13:00-18:00

Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY

We’re partnering with Love Music Hate Racism to close Luton Refugee Week 2026 with a bang!

At a time when some seek to divide and blame, Refugee Week 2026 calls us to come together and share the courage to welcome, to stand for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community โ€“ to be joyful, imagine new possibilities, dream, heal, and connect.

Experience the power of music in bringing communities together! Celebrate diversity, unity, and positivity through live performances that showcase the beauty of our multicultural society.

Join us for an unforgettable event filled with rhythm, passion and togetherness. Letโ€™s stand against racism through music and show solidarity with all people seeking sanctuary!

Book your FREE tickets here https://www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/where-courage-lives-music-festival

What’s on:

  • Great live music and good vibes!
  • Open mic opportunity
  • Kids activities
  • Connect with local organisations
  • Food and drink

Line up:

Simit Maroon

Known for their uplifting and conscious Ska music, deeply rooted in authentic Jamaican heritage, Simit Maroon and the band bring a sound that is both powerful and uplifting. With their distinctive Roots and Ska style, driven by rich rhythms and the unmistakable sound of the alto saxophone, they know exactly how to get the crowd moving while keeping the message positive

kiah Rihanna

kiah Rihanna is a 19 year old singer-songwriter from Bedfordshire. Known for her powerful vocals and piano led sound, she will perform a mix of popular covers and original songs in an intimate acoustic set for Where Courage Lives.

Forever James

Forever James is a Nigerian-born, UK-based singer and songwriter with a distinctive voice and a globally influenced sound. Whilst balancing her academic journey between Nigeria and England, she has already built an impressive music career, earning accolades including Best New Talent at the Brave African Entertainers Awards in Port Harcourt.

Her music is a fusion of Afrobeat, pop, rock, hip-hop, and alternative influences, shaped by a deep belief in music as a powerful, memory-holding medium. Forever James began her career at just nine years old with the release of her debut single Heaven on My Mind (2016), which charted at No. 6 on Xclusive Gospel’s Top 10 and received extensive national radio play in Nigeria. Her 2018 EP The Journey further expanded her reach, leading to national media exposure and live performances.

A prolific songwriter with over 25 professionally recorded songs, Forever James continues to connect with audiences through uplifting music, motivational speaking, and her latest single TG4L (Thank God for Life), which surpassed 25,000 Spotify streams within its first month.

Beyond the stage, Forever James extends her artistry into purpose-driven impactโ€”using her platform for motivational speaking, youth empowerment, and active community engagement. Her presence on TikTok and across social media channels carries that same intention, sharing motivational quotes, song covers, and uplifting content that reaches new audiences daily and reflects a deeper commitment to faith, perseverance, and meaningful connection.