Funds sought for refugee music scheme

A charitable music scheme set up to give a boost to young adult refugees is appealing for funds.

The City of Sanctuary and Gazebo Refugee music project is aiming to help those living in temporary accommodation while they await the processing of their claims.

Donations are being sought to cover the costs of participants' transport to the Gazebo Theatre site in Bilston, instruments and a worker for half a day each week.

The course began on Friday, with participants encouraged to write and perform songs together that display their cultural influences.

Figures released earlier this week by the Home Office revealed 285 asylum seekers were housed in hotels in Wolverhampton as of the end of 2025.

A local branch of a national charity, Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary, works with both asylum seekers and refugees and tries to challenge attitudes against them.

More than £900 has so far being raised towards the music project's £2,000 target.

The charity also hosts a weekly drop-in centre for refugees and asylum seekers each Wednesday at St Chad's Community Centre in Penn Fields.

The Gazebo Theatre in Bilston is a charity that offers opportunities to schools and organisations in and around the city.

It has a mini studio theatre and recording studios where young people can explore different art forms.

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