Full line-up announced for event celebrating Bristol’s refugees in the workforce

Guest speakers and celebrity interviews lead the conversation around why refugees and migrants are vital to Bristol’s economy at celebratory event at The Mount Without

 

With just three days to go until The Welcome Party presented by Burges Salmon and hosted by the Bristol-founded provider for refugee and migrant integration services ACH, the full lineup of speakers and special guests has today been announced. The celebratory event will provide a platform for inspiring stories of success from migrants and refugees, including former Olympic champion, Sir Mo Farah.

The highly anticipated gathering is set to take place at The Mount Without, an historic venue in the heart of the city and will be hosted by the charismatic MoYah, who will guide attendees through a night of powerful stories, inspiring talks and vibrant entertainment. The event will commence with a warm welcome from Museji A Takolia CBE, Chair of ACH, followed by a keynote address from Fuad Mahamed, CEO of ACH, who will emphasise the organisation’s mission to create opportunities and support successful integration for refugees and migrants.

The evening’s interviewees include:

• Oona Goldsworthy, Chief Executive of Brunelcare, and Kara Bolland, Head of People Partnerships at Brunelcare, who will share insights on how integrating diverse talent has positively impacted their organisation.

• Mohammad Alizay ‘Daud’, Procurement Officer at Brunelcare, who will recount his personal journey and the support that led to his career growth.

• Elham Fardad, CEO & Founder of Migrant Leaders, will present her experience and the initiatives that Migrant Leaders undertake to foster leadership and development for young migrants.

The event will culminate in an interview with the evening’s special guest, Sir Mo Farah. Mo’s story, which began with his arrival in the UK as a young refugee, has become an inspiring testament to the resilience and achievements possible for those who are welcomed and supported in their new home.

In addition to the impactful speeches, the event will feature a captivating African Table Dance performance by Grace Ekall as well as jazz from the West Coast of Africa and classical music from Palestine. Guests will also enjoy a diverse culinary experience, with a menu representing authentic cuisines from Sudan, Afghanistan, Egypt and Sri Lanka, crafted by refugee catering partners.

As part of the event’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce, The Welcome Party will also spotlight The Welcome Pledge – a pioneering initiative championed by employers dedicated to supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

Launching in 2025, The Welcome Pledge outlines a set of actionable commitments aimed at creating fair and supportive employment pathways for newcomers. Signatories commit to practices like equal recruitment opportunities, tailored workplace resources including language and mentorship support and efforts to build culturally inclusive environments.

Through this, employers also pledge to advocate for policies that protect and uplift refugees and migrants, working in collaboration with community organisations to pave the way for a more diverse and equitable workforce.

Fuad Mahamed, CEO of ACH, said: “The Welcome Party is not just about celebration but about showcasing the wealth of talent, resilience and leadership that refugees and migrants bring to our communities. We are honoured to have individuals like Sir Mo Farah and Elham Fardad share their stories, alongside key representatives from organisations like Brunelcare.

This line-up embodies our mission to build connections, foster understanding, and inspire everyone to see the incredible potential within the migrant and refugee community.”

The Welcome Party is presented by Burges Salmon as the headline partner, alongside Curo Group, YTL Group, City of Bristol College and Guild of Guardians as key event supporters.

Tickets for the event are selling fast and start from £140 per individual seat. Businesses are encouraged to buy a table for the event, to bring employers together to develop their understanding and appreciation of what migrants and refugees bring to the UK workforce.

Tickets are very limited, and can be purchased at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ach/1255157.

 

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