Communities are invited to come together at events across Thurrock to celebrate the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Empire Windrush's arrival in the UK.
The sixth annual National Windrush Day is marked on 22 June and dedicated to recognising the contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants. This year, communities can also acknowledge the historic 75th anniversary of the Empire Windrush docking at Tilbury with passengers from the Caribbean on 22 June 1948.
Grays Library in collaboration with Film Thurrock and Stronger Together is hosting a free special film screening on Thursday 22 June from 5pm to 6pm. This includes drama workshops imagining life before, on and post Windrush. Suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years-old. To book a place, phone 01375 413 976.
Residents can enjoy a free day of celebrations at the London International Cruise Terminal, Tilbury, on Thursday 22 June from 9:30am to 6:30pm. Put on by the Port of Tilbury with support from the Tilbury on the Thames Trust, the day includes performances by Woodside Academy's steel band 'Woodside Steel', workshops and talks from the National Archives, street food and more. For details, go to Forth Ports: Tilbury hosts celebration to mark Windrush 75 and everyone’s invited!
Cllr George Coxshall, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Community and Public Protection, said: "It's fantastic to see so many events being held across the borough that our communities can take part in to mark 75 years since the Empire Windrush first arrived at Tilbury Docks in 1948.
"Alongside other ships, the Empire Windrush carried people from Caribbean countries to the UK until 1971. This story, the Windrush Generation and their descendants have played a key role in Thurrock's history.
"The Windrush plaque that many of our residents saw in the Civic Offices in Grays has been moved to the new Town Hall building to coincide with this anniversary. Enjoy the celebrations marking this historic day."
On Saturday 24 June and Sunday 25 June, the Evewright Arts Foundation will put on an art and film installation, 'Belongings: Windrush 75' at the London International Cruise Terminal in Tilbury. Projections and sounds will be played celebrating the people of the Windrush generation. Tickets can be reserved at Evewright Arts Foundation: Belongings.
The Afro Food Fest celebrating music, food, culture and more is being held in Grays Town Park on Saturday 24 June from midday to 8pm to coincide with national celebrations marking Windrush. Entry is free.
Find out more about the The Empire Windrush and Tilbury Docks.