On 22 June 1948, Caribbean migrants arrived in the UK on the SS Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in Essex, their first stop before travelling towards London.

Many people from British Commonwealth countries travelled to the UK between 1948 and 1971, encouraged by the 1948 British Nationality Act that granted citizenship and right of abode to all members of the British Empire. 

On arrival in the UK, people were often met with racism, lack of acknowledgement of their professional skills and very different living conditions. 

We mark this day to celebrate British Caribbean communities and acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions the Windrush generation and their descendants have made to British society.

Windrush Day Event Programme

Join us for a day of song, dance and conversation on Wednesday 22 June. Activities will take place from 11am-4pm.

Choir performance

Enjoy a special choir performance by children from Mulgrave Primary School, Plumcroft Primary School and Invicta Primary School along with members of the Caribbean Social Forum. Singers from Ethno Vox have been working with school pupils and the forum members to learn new songs celebrating Windrush and the Caribbean. 

We hope you love our Windrush Day events. With your help we can continue to deliver our vibrant learning and wellbeing programmes at a time when society needs arts, culture and education more than ever. Please support the future work of the Museum by donating here.