Join us for an afternoon of creativity, connection and cultural exploration, which features crafts, activities and a performance, followed by a talk & Q&A to hear more about how different diasporic communities honour their loved ones. As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2025 & inspired by their theme, 'The Culture of Dying Matters', we will gather to share stories and celebrate different experiences of bereavement rituals.

Afreena Islam-Wright will talk about her personal insights into Muslim funeral rites and what these rituals mean to her as a Muslim in the UK. She will also perform the piece, Meet Me at the Cemetery Gates, which is about her dad’s funeral, grief and green spaces.

Our Producer, Debbie Chan will share stories about her experiences of British Chinese funeral customs, reflecting on both the comforting and challenging expectations placed upon her. She'll also guide people in the making of traditional ‘Blessing Envelopes’, explaining the significance they play in Chinese funerals.

Inspired by John Berger’s quote, “Our Candles WIll Go On Burning Doing Whatever They Can With Us”, Josh Coates invites everyone to participate in an interactive candle-making workshop. This is a chance to talk about candle-lighting as a ritual act of memory across different cultures, reflecting on how candles help us navigate feelings of loss, hope or celebration, & why this practice resonates with so many of us. 

Open to everyone interested in thoughtful conversations, hands-on creativity and wanting to discover something new about how people navigate the experience of love & loss. 

Refreshments and cakes will be provided. Please email hello@atthelibrary.co.uk with any access or dietary needs so we can make the space comfortable for you.