Windrush Day 2024: Celebration of Birmingham’s Caribbean community
The late poet Benjamin Zephaniah is among those being honoured in a day of festivities at Centenary Square.
Last updated 22nd Jun 2024
Events are taking place across the Midlands to mark 76 years since the arrival of the first ship carrying the Windrush Generation.
On the 22nd June 1948 passengers of the HMT Empire Windrush disembarked in the UK after responding to a call by the British government to help rebuild the ‘Mother’ country.
This mass migration from West Indies to England is known as the Windrush Generation.
In 2018, the government announced the 22 June as National Windrush Day of observance.
A festival organised by the Blackstory Partnership collective will acknowledge Birmingham’s Windrush Generation who contributed to the rebuilding of England and helped pave the way for future generations.
The programme at Centenary Square includes a ceremonial flag raise, carnival procession, musical performances and the opening of the Benjamin Zephaniah Stage.
One of Benjamin’s poems will be recited by the poet and TV presenter Sue Brown.
One of the organisers, Paulette Francis-Green says “It’s important that we remember Windrush because our parents came here to work, to help build up the ‘Mother’ country, to help lay a foundation for us as young people”.
Other events in the region include a festival in Wolverhampton and flag raises in both Wellingborough and Rushden.