June 22 marks the 75th anniversary of the landing of HMT Empire Windrush, a passenger liner and cruise ship which carried 800 Caribbean migrants to the UK.
The British Nationality Act, which came into effect in 1948, provided citizenship to members of the British Empire. People from the British commonwealth saw the legislation as an opportunity to find work and better their lives, and over the following two decades, as many as half a million people arrived in the UK – a large proportion of whom came from the Caribbean.
Now, 75 years later, June 22 is celebrated for being one of the most important moments in British history, shaping and enriching the country we live in today.
Here’s our pick of some of London’s best events to celebrate Windrush day.
Being Blacker documentary screening and Q&A
BAFTA-winning filmmaker Molly Dineen reunites with iconic reggae producer and Brixton hero, Blacker Dread. Dineen featured the former record store owner, real name Steve Burnett-Martin, in her 1981 graduation film, Sound Business, which explored 'sound system culture' in the UK.
Blacker Dread, who has been credited with keeping many local youth off the streets and out of jail, agreed to have Dineen film his mother’s funeral and what unfolds is a fascinating account of him going through a string of serious personal issues.
The documentary takes an unexpected turn as Blacker reflects on his arduous journey and the problems, from poverty to crime and racism, that have plagued his last 40 years in the UK.
The event, which is free for the over 60s, will show a screening of the doc followed by a Q&A with Blacker Dread and Dineen on a panel hosted by Arike Oke, Executive Director of Knowledge and Collections at the BFI.
Windrush Caribbean Film Festival, June 19
Windrush 75
To commemorate Windrush, the V&A is putting on both an exhibition and a series of events. The free exhibition, titled Between Two Worlds: Vanley Burke and Francis Williams, is built around the portraits of two Jamaican gentlemen which were created three centuries apart. Vanley is a British-Jamaican photographer, while Francis Williams was a scholar and poet who became a British citizen in the 18th century. There will be a free Lunchtime Lecture on June 22 to accompany the show.
The series of events include a Historical and Hidden Caribbean Tour, which will take place every Sunday until November 26 and which will focus on objects and stories related to Caribbean culture. British Guyanese activist and historian Arthur Torrington will be in conversation with presenter Diane Louise Jordan on June 10, and there will be a participatory workshop led by University of Goldsmith design lecturer Dr Rose Sinclair, which is focused around Francis Williams, on July 8. On August 4 writer and dramatist Dr Michael McMillan will be discussing Black British photography and “the evolution of becomingness”.
V&A; vam.ac.uk
From War to Windrush 75
This afternoon of talks and performances will be hosted by actor Leonie Elliot (Call the Midwife). Guests will include journalist Kamal Ahmed, actor David Harewood, writer Trevor Phillips, campaigner Patrick Vernon, researcher Dr Angelina Osborne and poet Shirley May.
Visiting research fellow Dr Les Johnson, director of think tank British Future Sunder Katwala, historian Garry Stewart, author Bonnie Greer, journalist Anne McElvoy and novelist Dr Anthony Joseph will also be speaking throughout the day. Expect topics to cover the importance and impact of Windrush and Britain as a modern multicultural society.
Imperial War Museum, June 17; iwm.org.uk
Windrush Day Celebration
London’s Southbank Centre is celebrating Windrush with a mix of live music, dance and Caribbean food. There’ll be spoken word, performance and dance, choirs and carnival costumes ongoing throughout the day, as well as the special unveiling of the National Windrush Monument.
That evening, from 5.30pm, there’ll be a special free edition of Southbank’s fortnightly gig series, futuretense. This time the line up includes rap artist Reptile B, saxophonist David Kayode, Soca musician Triniboi Joocie and R&B and pop singer Kkeda.
Then, to top it all off, from 7.30pm there will be a massive jazz gig at the Royal Festival Hall. Catch a Fire will feature the Jazz Jamaica All Stars Choir, led by singer Mark De-Lisser. Expect a 35-piece big band and vocals from Aswad’s Brinsley Forde.
Southbank Centre, June 22; southbankcentre.co.uk
Windrush 75
The National Maritime Museum is hosting two special events to commemorate the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush. On June 22, expect a day of celebration of Caribbean culture: there’ll be performances from both a multi-school choir, and the Caribbean Social Forum choir, workshops that will use the museum’s objects to provoke and inspire stories about Caribbean histories and family stories, There’ll be a talk with writer and researcher, Veronica Mckenzie, and there’ll be fun events such as dominoes matches and a special dance workshop.
On June 24 there’ll be a free family festival, which will include live performances from musicians and spoken word artists, Calypso dancing, vocal workshops from Hamilton’s Sharon Rose, dominoes matches, a series of performances from the Caribbean Social Forum, Windrush flag-making, a family history workshop put on by the museum’s library and much more.
National Maritime Museum; June 22-24; rmg.co.uk
Lecture: Reimagining Our Future: A celebration of the Windrush legacy
This free lecture, which is being presented by the London College of Communication and hosted by curator Maureen Salmon, will include a short documentary film, words from theatre actor Peter Badejo, works from photographer Yves Salmon, and contributions from young and upcoming creatives with Caribbean heritage. The lecture will discuss the importance of the Windrush migration, and its impact on culture and society today.
London College of Communication, June 22; eventbrite.co.uk
The Caribbean Front Room – Stories from Windrush and Beyond
Step into the past with the Caribbean Front Room installation. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of the Windrush era, where the concept of the Caribbean front room became a symbol of unity and community. 🏠💛 For more information https://t.co/kzOhBTyBN0 #Windrush75 pic.twitter.com/heU1nlsvwv
— LoveCamden (@LoveCamden) June 3, 2023
This installation at the Camden Black British History community hub focuses on the Caribbean front room. “It became a space where people from the Caribbean diaspora gathered, shared stories, and upheld their cultural traditions,” explains Love Camden. Expect a recreation of one of these front rooms, transporting you back in time.
Camden Black British History community hub, to July 28; lovecamden.org
Windrush: A Voyage through the Generations
This exhibition from photographer Jim Grover focuses on the communities and families that have grown from the Windrush generation, provoking questions about the way heritage, cultures and traditions change over time, and how they are still being kept alive today.
Clapham Library; to September 30; windrushvoyagethroughthegenerations.com
Indo + Caribbean: The creation of a culture
This free display at the Museum of London Docklands looks at the Indian workers who were recruited to work for the British in the Caribbean between 1838 and 1917. Expect letters, photographs, contracts, postcards and jewellery and all bringing to life this often forgotten history.
“As we mark the 75th anniversary of Windrush this year, Indo + Caribbean is a chance to learn more about Britain’s colonial footprint and the diverse communities from the Caribbean that have enriched our city,” said Museum of London curator Shereen Lafhaj.
