Westminster commemorates Windrush 75 with a festival of culture and art

As part of the 75^th anniversary of the Windrush generation arriving in Britain, events across Westminster showcased the best of Caribbean culture and art.

Westminster City Council’s Global Majority Staff Network was supported by Westminster UNISON and GMB in hosting a cultural festival at the Picture House Central Theatre on Shaftsbury Avenue. Residents and guests were wowed with films including 'Still We Rise', 'Flashback' by Leee John & Imagination and from the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival and Chocolate Films, dancing and fashion from Elimu Mas Academy, Fitz Fashion and Clover Nash. This was topped off with musical performances from Heather Small, Omar (MBE) and Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson and Queen Laya.

75^th anniversary commemorations weren’t limited to Shaftsbury Avenue, with dedicated exhibitions held throughout the borough. On Church Street, The Windrush Window exhibition curated by artist Michael McMillan and Mia Morris. The installation is composed of items generously donated by Westminster residents, businesses, and the family of Gilmore Barrett which explores the migrant experience of African-Caribbean families setting up home in the UK in the mid-20th century.

Additionally, artwork by Carl Gabriel is on display in Westminster City Hall. Gabriel is an iconic Carnival sculptor and creator who works include the traditional wire-bending technique as well as papier mâché. Both will remain on display until the Thursday 20^th July.

In June 1948, the Empire Windrush docked in the UK carrying over 500 members of the Caribbean community, who were set to begin their new lives in the UK. The Windrush Generation came from all walks of life and arrived in London upon invitation from the British Government. The aim was to rebuild a nation, but until recently, their contributions and experiences were not widely acknowledged or celebrated. Events and celebrations like these are a powerful reminder of the lives and contributions those individuals made to British society in recent history.

Westminster has a proud Caribbean community which means remembering the Windrush Generation continues to be so important. The Fairer Communities commitment concentrates on how communities can have more equal and equitable experiences. The challenges faced back then surrounding racism and housing are sadly still felt by many.

Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, said:

Events like this showcase the best of Caribbean culture, arts, history and the powerful stories of making a new life in the UK. Their stories, and those of their children, are compelling voices we need to hear, and these celebrations are about acknowledging the contribution of the Caribbean community to Westminster, and the country as a whole.”

“My thanks must go to the Global Majority staff network and our UNISON and GMB partners for putting on such a fantastic programme of events and championing the City’s unique connection with the Windrush generation.”

“Windrush, is of course a chance to remember, but also look to the future as we tackle the inequalities that still remain in our society.”

When musician Heather Small was asked why Windrush was important and what it means to her:

Britain would not be the same without the Windrush Generation and we have to acknowledge that.”

“For me, Windrush means resilience, it means a legacy of hard work and knowing that anything I wanted I had to work doubly hard, but it was achievable.”