The 22nd of June will see the UK mark Windrush Day, where there are events organised to celebrate the contribution that Caribbean migrants and their families have made to the country, in the 76 years since a generation were invited to come and help rebuild post-war Great Britain.

HMT Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury, Essex, in 1948 carrying 1,027 passengers from islands including Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Grenada and St Lucia. It would later become a symbol of a wider mass-migration movement.

Commemoration events have been held every year since 2018, ironically the same year it emerged that the government had not properly recorded the details of the very same people who had arrived to provide much needed assistance, and subsequently were badly mistreated, despite being granted permission to stay in the UK.

The Royal Museums of Greenwich will partner with the Caribbean Social Forum to showcase their culture, with a new addition for 2024 in the shape of the National Windrush Museum, who will contribute a co-curated series of performances as part of the festival. 

New act brought new rights

The end of the second World War had seen the UK suffering from serious labour shortages, as the country attempted to rebuild its economy.

In 1948 the British Nationality Act gave people from colonies the right to come to live and work in Britain. At the same time many Caribbean countries were also struggling economically, therefore the sudden rise in job vacancies in the UK offered a great new opportunity.

Unappreciated for a long time

Amongst those who travelled were manual workers, drivers, cleaners, and nurses who took up roles in the newly-established NHS. Sadly for some their arrival was met with racism, poor living conditions and a lack of appreciation for their professional skills.

Events of all sizes

Last year when marking the 75th anniversary, King Charles III hailed the Windrush generation’s “profound and permanent contribution to British life”.

Windrush Day is fundamentally community driven, on both large and small scales. Whether it be huge art galleries and museums, or humble community centres, there will be events to acknowledge the day.

Marking Windrush Day is a chance to celebrate the British Caribbean communities, and fully acknowledge the serious sacrifices and outstanding contributions that the Windrush generation and their descendants have made to British society.

Maritime museum at forefront of activities

This year’s Windrush Day Festival will take over the grounds outside the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

There will be a range of exciting activities including talks on archiving black women’s experiences, games such as Caribbean-style domino matches, spoken word performances, a chance to explore objects relating to the Windrush era of travel, and a Caribbean-owned food and craft market.

Monument unveiling

The London Transport Museum will be shining a spotlight on workers who were recruited directly from the Caribbean, travelling to London to take up roles such as bus conductors and station staff on the transport network. The exhibition will feature memories from first, second and third generation Caribbean folk.

Also in London, the Southbank Centre will be treated to a performance by the Jazz Jamaica All Stars Choir, followed by the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument.