Here’s Where To Celebrate Windrush Day 2024 In London

This June 22, Windrush Daymarks the 76th anniversary of the Empire Windrush docking in Tilbury in 1948, bringing Afro-Caribbean immigrants to the United Kingdom. From 1948 for the next 20 years or so, hundreds and thousands of immigrants came to the UK – they were called the ‘Windrush Generation.’ Windrush Day not only honours the contributions that the Windrush Generation made to this country but also celebrates the legacy and influence of British-Caribbean culture in today’s society spanning from politics, sports, music, art and healthcare. Here’s how and where you can be a part of the Windrush Day celebrations in the city:

1. Windrush Day at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich

Each year, the Royal Museums Greenwich partners with the Caribbean Social Forum and other local partners to showcase Caribbean culture and the legacy of the Windrush generation in the UK today. This year, they will partner with the National Windrush Museum for its Windrush Day celebrations, From talks, games, performances, experiencing Caribbean-owned food, markets to workshops – there’s plenty for you to be a part of and attend. The best is – it’s all totally free to attend.

Notable events include the Windrush lectures at the Queen’s House on June 18th 6:30 pm -8:30pmwith a special tribute and memorial to Windrush pioneers and those who lost their lives during the pandemic. The lecture will feature a presentation by expert Professor Dame Donna Kinnair, Chair of the Runnymede Trust who will provide insights into the health and wellbeing of Windrush communities and the history of National Health Service.

Additionally, the International Windrush Conference will be held at Greenwich University just a stone’s throw away from National Windrush Museum. Set to take place from the 19th of June till the 20th, you can expect keynote lectures from the likes of Professor Robert BeckfordUniversity of Winchester, Director of the Institute for Climate and Social Justice and broadcaster and Ms, Tonya Nelson Executive Director, Enterprise and Innovation, Arts Council, other lectures, and workshops.

While tickets cost £45, Levi Roots has just released the last 80 tickets as free!

📍Romney Road, London SE10 9NF.

2. Windrush Block Party at Bernie Grant Arts Centre

The Windrush Block Party is back with another stacked programme of live music, DJ sets, spoken word and food. You can expect performances from the likes of DeeRiginal, Roman Harris, Josh Barry, Hear Me Out, Reggae Choir and more. Taking place at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre on June 22, tickets cost a fiver but there’s also a pay-what-you-can scheme and free tickets available for those under 2s and 65s.

📍Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham Green, London, N15 4RX . More info here.

3. Waltham Forest Windrush Festival, Waltham Forest Town Hall

Head to Fellowship Square just outside Waltham Forest Town Hall on Windrush Day for a whole day of celebrations. You can expect dancing (of course), film screenings, steel bands, games, exhibitions, food vendors, delicious cocktails as well as an African drumming performance and a gospel choir. All of that – for free!

📍Fellowship Square, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, London E17 4JF. More info here.

4. Celebrate Windrush Day at South London Gallery in Peckham

South London Gallery in Peckham will host a series of events to celebrate art and culture within South London’s Caribbean community. On June 22, the gallery will host a full day of events for all ages, with cooking workshops, oral histories listening space, family activities and a film screening curated by the SLG’s youth collective, the Art Assassins.

There will also be a drop-in advice service open by Windrush Justice Clinic throughout the afternoon to help support people from Commonwealth countries who have been affected by the Windrush scandal.

📍65 Peckham Road, London SE5 8UH. More info here.

5. Windrush Homecoming Celebration in Kentish Town

Taking place on Talacre Town Green in Kentish Town on Windrush Day itself, this free event is showcasing African and Caribbean crafts, sports activities for kids, food and drink and performances from the likes of Omar Lyefook MBE, Marla Brown, Aitch B, Skatician and other local artists.

📍Talacre Town Green, London NW5 3AF. More info here.