Windrush & beyond…
Celebrating migration and shining a light on the important contributions the Windrush Generation made and continue to make in British society...
Flyby Film and Images © Jason Arthur
WINDRUSH AND BEYOND
Celebrating migration and shining a light on the important contributions the Windrush Generation made and continue to make in British society.
The fourth national Windrush Day on 22 June 2021 marks 73 years since the HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in 1948, carrying the first West Indian migrants to the UK to help re-build Britain after the Second World War.
The ship, originally called MV Monte Rosa, launched in Germany in 1930 and operated as a German cruise ship and troopship before being taken by Allied forces in 1945. The passengers aboard the ship included men, women and children from the Caribbean with a diverse heritage including those from Chinese, Maltese and Polish descent, as well as Second World War service men and women who had been there on leave and some stowaways.
For the passengers who landed opposite Gravesend that day in June 1948, it was just the beginning of a new life as they went on to transform aspects of every day British life.
Windrush SHADOWS
To mark the Windrush Day we are creating an outdoor installation and would like to include ‘shadow silhouettes’ that celebrate the people of the Windrush Generation, their descendants and migrants of our time...
WINDRUSH SHADOWS
To mark the Windrush Day we are creating an outdoor installation and would like to include ‘shadow silhouettes’ that celebrate the people of the Windrush Generation, their descendants and migrants of our time.
Come to donate your shadow and become part of this commemorative display taking inspiration from the scenes of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush to Tilbury Docks in 1948. Strike a pose at our outdoor photobooth so your image can be immortalised as a shadow silhouette or bring along a photograph you would like to share. All silhouettes will be featured in the outdoor installation to be unveiled aboard LV21 at dawn on Windrush Day Tuesday 22 June.
No need to book, just turn up, strike a pose and have your photo taken. Suitable for all.
Alongside the photobooth activity we are also inviting Gravesham communities to help us create a ‘welcoming’ porthole display. Imagine the views of the passengers looking out through the portholes of their cabins during the long journey at sea and arrival to Tilbury. Or think what life might have looked like aboard Empire Windrush if you peeped inside through the glass?
These events are part of Gravesham Borough Council’s wider Celebrating Great Britain’s DNA programme to mark Windrush Day 2021.
In the run up to the Windrush Day, the council are collating stories and images from those who arrived in Gravesham during the 1950s, 60s and 70s. People are invited to share personal stories and experiences, thoughts on what Windrush Day and the Windrush Generation mean to you in 2021, whether it is a personal experience of migration, the impact a family member has had on your life, how the Windrush spirit lives on in Black British society, or the continued fight for equality and justice marked by the Windrush Scandal.
On Monday 21 June author Trish Cooke will be reading from her books about her own journey to the UK from the Caribbean in two online sessions with local primary schools.
On the Windrush Day on Tuesday 22 June between 4-6pm the Sunny Steel Band is ready to bring the wonderful rhythms of the Caribbean to the quayside surrounding LV21. The band will also run workshops prior to the performances at St Andrew’s Art Centre. For details please contact info@visitgravesend.co.uk.
You can also enjoy the tastes and sounds of the Caribbean at Gravesend Borough Market between 3-5pm. Ms Earlyn’s foodstall will be providing a range of foods including fried dumpling, roti, jerk, curry goat and curry chicken for sampling and purchasing plus tropical punches. Gary Cordice will be performing a medley of soul, ska and jazz supported by DJ John.
Programme funded through grant funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and support from Gravesham Borough Council.
