The Green Man Festival in Wales is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its refugee training programme, an initiative run by the Green Man Trust that has supported 191 refugees and asylum seekers as they settle into life in the UK.

The scheme provides practical training in customer service, communication, teamwork, food handling and event operations while allowing participants to experience one of Britain's best-known music festivals.

Festival owner Fiona Stewart said the programme is designed to build confidence, encourage integration and equip participants with transferable skills that can help them find employment.

Refugees from 52 countries have taken part since the programme began, with recent participants coming from Afghanistan, Libya, Sudan, Pakistan, Syria, Nepal, Yemen and Ukraine.Several participants described the experience as life-changing.

Mina, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power, said the festival helped her understand British culture, make lasting friendships and feel more connected to her new home.

Javid, also from Afghanistan, explained that music had been banned under the Taliban, making Green Man his first experience of both a music festival and camping.

He said the event restored his motivation after a difficult period and gave him renewed confidence, helping him resume activities such as running and supporting his work as an interpreter.

Ukrainian participants Olga and Sophia praised the welcoming atmosphere and valued the opportunity to contribute rather than simply receive assistance.

Another participant from Egypt said the programme improved his English, increased his confidence when speaking with strangers and helped him secure a job in a café.

Stewart believes the festival offers a safe and inclusive environment where refugees can participate alongside other staff without being defined by their backgrounds, promoting understanding at a time of increasing social division and negative rhetoric surrounding migration.