As Windrush Day 2022 approaches,  scores of events, shows, exhibitions and interactive projects are in the pipeline providing something for all to enjoy. The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities  (DLUHC) have announced the names of those who have received funding from the Windrush Day Grant Scheme ’22 and commemorative events for Windrush Day itself which is on  June 22nd,  include festivals, podcasts, a Windrush Choir, steel band, and a boat trip to Tilbury.

      Activities will place communities at the heart of National Windrush Day 2022 as the nation pays tribute to the British Caribbean community

35 projects across England have been approved to receive  a share of £500,000 funding to help commemorate Windrush Day 2022 which marks the outstanding contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.

This year  projects focus on bringing communities together – across different ages and ethnic backgrounds – to commemorate, celebrate and educate their local area about the contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants across the country.

Thousands of men, women and children moved from the Caribbean to the UK in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. These individuals are now known as the Windrush Generation, the namesake of the ship that sailed from the Caribbean to England in 1948 bringing the first large wave of Caribbean migrants –  the MV Empire Windrush. In the decades that followed many more came on planes as well as other ships. 

Today there are about one million people of Caribbean descent living in the UK.

Communities Minister Kemi Badenoch said:

“The legacy of the Windrush generation means so much to so many.

“As a first-generation immigrant myself, I understand personally how important it is to highlight how much we welcome and celebrate the contributions made by those who choose to make Britain home.

“Thanks to our funding, events across England will take place on 22 June, helping remember and recognise the leading role the Windrush Generation and their descendants have played in making Britain stronger, culturally richer and more inclusive.”

 

Funded projects for 2022 include:

      Tilbury on the Thames

To coincide with the unveiling of the Windrush Monument on 22 June at Waterloo 180 people,  including some who arrived at Tilbury on the original Windrush voyage, will sail from Waterloo Pier to the dock where the MV Empire Windrush originally arrived in Tilbury, ending at the Walkway of Memories –  an exhibition by Evewright Foundation which was funded and opened in 2021. Distinctive sounds, the bridge is still intact along with an impressive display of photographs of some of those who disembarked in 1948 is a landmark.

 

·       Inspiring Audio Ltd

Working with children in Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and London, the project will produce 10 free podcasts exploring both history and social context of their Windrush Generation relatives. Online activity resources will be made available  to support each programme.

·       National Maritime Museum in Greenwich

The National Maritime Museum will deliver a one-day festival named DESCENDANTS to embrace multiple aspects of British Caribbean life, from music and dance to food and storytelling.

·       Peterborough City Council

Will hold a celebratory programme that both raises awareness and  celebrates, the long-term legacy of the Windrush Generation in the city. Including a dominoes world record championship, curry cook off, family activities, Caribbean music, and a dynamic education programme.

       Bristol Reggae Orchestra

will create a unique choir and orchestra to celebrate the Windrush generation and their descendants. The project will include reggae artists directly connected with the Windrush generation who will perform with the local community and will lead to the creation of a Windrush choir.

·       Caius House in Wandsworth

Bringing together the local community with Caribbean elders they will teach young people how to cook traditional dishes to be served at its cultural event on Windrush Day.

·       The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust 

Will bring together people of all ages to learn how to play the steel pan. Huddersfield has a history of steel pan musicians bringing their skills and knowledge to the UK during the Windrush years. Windrush Day will host an event for learners to showcase their new talent and tell the story of the history of steel pan.

To access the full list of projects being awarded funding and for further information  please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2022-windrush-day-grant-scheme-projects-to-be-funded

Chair of the Windrush Community Funds and Windrush Schemes group Paulette Simpson CBE said:

 

“I am delighted that we have been able to fund 35 excellent projects from across the country for the fourth annual National Windrush Day on June 22nd to celebrate the outstanding contributions that the Windrush Generation and their descendants have made, and continue to make, to British Society.    

“This year we are encouraging new, innovative proposals to share the Windrush story and reach out to people in diverse local communities. In doing so, we can ensure projects will impact history, education and celebration in a meaningful way.” 

 

And There’s More… 

Windrush Day will also see the unveiling of the National Windrush monument at a star-studded event at Waterloo Station. The Monument will be a permanent tribute to the contribution of Caribbean pioneers in communities across the United Kingdom.

The project is being overseen by DLUHC and led by the Windrush Commemoration Committee (WCC), chaired by Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE.

A livestream link will be posted on  the Windrush Commemoration Committee website  on the day. Alternatively, the public can join at the Southbank Centre where a large screen will be streaming the ceremony directly from 11am followed by Caribbean food, music, and entertainment until 7pm on Windrush Day.