TASTY world cuisine was dished up free of charge to delighted passers-by in Evesham last weekend, as part of the Million Acts of Hope.
The campaign, which ran from 13 to 20 May 2026, was a celebration of everyday kindness, care and connection happening across the UK.
Led locally by Evesham Welcomes Refugees, the event featured dishes prepared by refugees from their home countries.
Among the plates on offer were foods from Iran, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Syria.
Organiser Rev David Haslam said: “People walking into Evesham over the Workman Bridge were astonished to be invited for a ‘free lunch’, to sample food from these and other countries.
“Not all joined in, but many did, and were pleasantly surprised as they experienced new and exotic tastes.
“One woman told us that she’d never tasted anything like that before, but would have some more.”
He said the forecourt of Evesham Methodist church was filled with people from different cultures greeting one another and tasting each other’s cuisine.
“Another lady insisted on making a donation of £10 even though she was repeatedly told it was all free,” he added.
The group had responded to a call from the country’s largest pro-refugee coalition, Together with Refugees, to participate in response to the rise in negative attitudes toward refugees and migrant people in the UK.
Ros Gowers of Evesham Welcomes Refugees added: “There was just a wonderful spirit among people from a dozen different countries, including one family who very recently arrived from Syria under the Government resettlement of vulnerable persons scheme.
“They were delighted to meet other Syrians so soon after their arrival and also pleased to receive such a welcome from local people.
“Evesham has a growing reputation for the warmth of its welcome to people who have faced persecution and suffering in the less fortunate parts of the world.”
