A letter written by an asylum seeker who stayed on the Bibby Stockholm barge was read out during a music festival on Portland.

During Love Music Hate Racism Collective’s set at the Let Music Unite Festival on Chesil Beach, the frontman read out the letter which described the Bibby Stockholm barge as ‘a place that has only heightened asylum seekers' fears.’

He wrote: “I understand that today we have gathered here for a joyous occasion, and I do not wish to take up much of your time or cast a shadow on your spirits. However, I must address the current situation myself and 38 others find ourselves in as asylum seekers in this country.

“Our government has placed us at the centre of attention and depicted us as a burden on the people of Britain despite none of us being responsible for the events that brought us here. We came here with the simple aspiration to be recognised as responsible and contributing members of a society, not a burden.”

“Leaving one’s homeland is a heart-wrenching choice and none of us took it lightly. We sought freedom and safety within the bounds of the law. We fled unlawful persecution and torture, striving for a life where we could experience the simple joys of living within the confines of the law, free from the shadows of our past traumas.

“But for the past several months, our right to work or study has been taken from us and our basic needs have been overlooked. We have been placed in temporary hotels. Constantly uprooted and most recently confined to the Bibby Stockholm ship – a place that has only heightened our fears.

“We accepted this difficult decision with the intention of abiding by the law even though we felt like the ship was primarily for individuals who have broken in. After days filled with fear and uncertainty. We were finally relocated to our current place, an old and abandoned hotel, far from ordinary life.

“The feeling of isolation and separation has taken a toll on our emotional and mental wellbeing. As educated individuals, we possess skills and dreams, yet we are denied this opportunity to work and study.

“We wonder why the government is willing to spend on our upkeep in hotels, but not allow us to lead normal lives – are there hidden motives at play here?

“We also question the speed of which asylum cases are being processed – why is there such a backlog and does it serve any purpose other than to prolong our uncertainty. These are the questions that weigh heavily on our hearts, and we hope to find answers with your support. We don’t want to be a burden; we want to contribute to this society. We risked everything to come here and do not wish to see our future put on hold.

“Today we seek your attention, understanding and solidarity. We bow before the great people of Britain and extend a helping hand to them. Please be the voice for asylum seekers. We are unheard in this Great Britain.

“Our last aim is to address this and with your help we can navigate through these challenging circumstances and obtain a peaceful and secure life we have been longing for.”

After hearing the letterbeing read out, Heather Joans of Global Friendship Group who helped to organise the event said: “It’s really sad and I felt really sad that it’s so unarticulated.

“It was quite moving really and really brings it home.”

The festival followed a peaceful protest on the island which saw members of Stand Up to Racism making speeches and singing.

They were also met by the chants of the nearby Close the Borders group.