What is Windrush Day?
Windrush Day is an annual celebration in the UK on 22nd June. The day marks the anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948 that carried almost more than 800 passengers from the Caribbean.
Why do we Celebrate Windrush Day?
Windrush Day is an opportunity to remember, honour and celebrate the contributions of the Windrush Generation. These individuals made significant contributions to British society including in politics, music, sport, art and healthcare. The Windrush Generation paved the way for future generations of Black British Caribbeans, who have continue to make significant contributions to British society.
How to celebrate Windrush Day
There are many ways to celebrate Windrush Day, both on the day itself and throughout the year. Here are some ideas:
Attend a community event
There are many community events taking place across the UK on Windrush Day and throughout the year. These events provide an opportunity to learn more about the contributions of the Windrush Generation and to celebrate their legacy in your local community. Community events may include music, dance, food, and other cultural activities. Check with your local council, schools and libraries to find out what events are happening near you. If you can't find an event, why not join with others in your community to organise one yourself!
Visit a museum, exhibition or archive
Many museums across the UK create exhibits related to the Windrush Generation to celebrate Windrush Day. These exhibits provide an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Windrush Generation and to see objects related to their experiences. There are also a few archives, including the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, that you can visit in person or explore online.
Take part in educational activities
Some schools, universities and other educational institutions may organise activities and events to commemorate Windrush Day. These activities may include workshops, lectures, seminars and discussions. Participating in educational activities is a great way to learn more about the contributions of the Windrush Generation and to engage with others.
Support Windrush-related campaigns and causes
There are campaigns and causes related to the Windrush Generation that you can support throughout the year, not just on Windrush Day. For example, you can support organisations that provide legal and other support to members of the Windrush Generation who were affected by the Windrush scandal a few years ago.
Go to a Caribbean Restaurant
Support a Black-owned Caribbean restaurant and enjoy Caribbean food to celebrate Windrush Day with the flavours that the Windrush Generation brought to the UK. See our list of Caribbean restaurants in the UK to find one near you!
Windrush Day Activities and Events 2025
See below for a list of activities and events taking place across the UK to celebrate Windrush Day in 2025. This list is updated regularly, so please check back often for new events.
Raffia Embroidery Workshop
Hotel Elephant St Johns, Larcom Street, London, SE17 1NQ
Various dates
Join me in celebrating Windrush Day with creativity at our 5-star Raffia Embroidery Workshop!
I have partnered with Hotel Elephant to deliver raffia embroidery workshops. It's an opportunity to learn more about the Windrush Generation and Caribbean craft.
Together, we’ll honour the legacy of the Windrush Generation in a relaxed, welcoming space, while learning the beautiful art of raffia embroidery.
Tapestry of Black Britons
Exhibition Dark Studio, Bristol BS1 4QA
9th May - 29th June
An evolving textile artwork celebrating 1,500+ years of Black British history. Curated by Paula Ogun Hector and woven by Dash + Miller, the tapestry launches with panels honouring Black, Caribbean and African WWII service people for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Featuring bold visuals, African and Caribbean textiles, and a soundscape by Gary Stewart, this living artwork highlights untold stories woven into Britain’s past.
Windrush Day in Haringey
Various locations
June 2025
Join Haringey’s annual celebration of Windrush Day, honouring the lasting contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants. Events across the borough will reflect the rich cultural legacy and impact on both local and national life.
Windrush Day in Newham
Various locations
June 2025
Newham London is hosting a series of events this June to celebrate Windrush Day and explore the amazing legacy of the Windrush generation to British society.
National Windrush Museum Summit
Various Locations
12, 13, & 15 June
The official launch of the National Windrush Museum Summit at the Home Office. A series of events focused on Windrush Community Engagement including a celebratory brunch hosted by Levi Roots, Lead Ambassador of the NWM Development Council.
Windrush Caribbean Film Festival
Multiple UK Cities
14th - 29nd June
The Windrush Caribbean Film Festival returns this June with a dynamic line-up of screenings and events across the UK, spotlighting Caribbean film, Black British narratives, and the enduring legacy of the Windrush Generation.
The 2025 edition embraces the theme “Belonging, Being and Becoming” , inviting audiences to reflect on identity, heritage, and transformation. Through compelling stories and powerful cinema, the festival bridges generations and cultures, celebrating the Caribbean contribution to British life, past, present, and future.
Windrush Stories
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, DY1 4AL
Saturday 21st June
Celebrate Windrush Day with a vibrant programme honouring the Windrush generation’s legacy in the Black Country. Explore powerful stories in historic buildings, enjoy gospel music in the Chapel, learn to play dominoes Jamaican-style, and sample traditional Caribbean dishes. A heartfelt tribute to the Black British contribution to UK industry, culture, and cuisine.
Justice4Windrush - Windrush Day
St Peter’s Church, Northchurch Terrace, London N1 4DA
Saturday 21 June
Join us for a powerful night of film, live music, Caribbean food, legal support, and stories that matter - hosted by our CEO Colin McFarlane (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Doctor Who).
The event will feature campaign screenings, Windrush live band, celebrity guests & speakers, plus Caribbean food & drinks.
Windrush Foundation Celebrating 30 Years
The Tab Centre, London SE13
Saturday 21 June
Join the them on 21 June 2025 from 6pm to to celebrate the outstanding contribution the organisation has made to the community since 1995.
National Maritime Museum
Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
Saturday 21st June
The National Maritime Museum has again partnered with the Caribbean Social Forum and other local partners to celebrate Caribbean culture and the legacy of the Windrush generation in the UK today.
This year they will also be joined by the Migration Museum, who will be running drop-in activities, story sharing and self-guided boat making.
Windrush Homecoming Celebration 2025
Talacre Town Green, NW5 3PH
Sunday 22 June
Camden's Homecoming Celebration returns this June for another vibrant day of Caribbean rhythms, carnival costumes, arts, crafts, sports and delicious food.
Windrush Tea Party
Museum Square Leicester LE1
Saturday 21 June
Come and celebrate the legacy and contributions of the Caribbean community in Britain at the Windrush Tea Party on the 21st June at Museum Square at New Walk from 12-8pm. This event will have an equipped stage with musical guests and special performers, food and cultural stalls for shopping, a kids activity space, a dominoes corner, and plenty of space for you all to relax and enjoy the day!
Celebrate Windrush Day at Hendon Library: Stories, Crafts, and Community
The Burroughs, London NW4 4BQ
22 June
This Windrush Day, join Hendon Library for a special afternoon dedicated to celebrating the legacy, culture, and stories of the Windrush generation. From 12pm to 5pm on Sunday 22 June 2025, the library will transform into a vibrant space filled with storytelling, creativity, and meaningful conversations – and everyone is welcome to drop in!
Big Caribbean Lunch
Brixton, London SW9
Sunday 22 June
Join Friends of Windrush Square and Lambeth Council for the 3rd Annual Big Caribbean Lunch on Sunday, 22 June, in Windrush Square.
From 12 PM to 7 PM, enjoy a vibrant day filled with Caribbean food, music, storytelling, and community spirit. This special event includes lunch provided for elders of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.
Windrush Oral History Workshop
Catford Library, London SE6 4JU
Sunday 22nd June
Aaward-winning writers Leone Ross and Joan Anim-Addo want to speak to people aged over 50+ and of Caribbean Heritage to be included in their anthology.
Windrush A Tapestry of Cultures Event
Alexandra Park Manchester, M16 7JL
22nd June
This year’s Windrush Day brings the community together to honour the legacy, resilience, and cultural impact of the Windrush generation. They will revisit the powerful stories, journeys, and traditions that have shaped Caribbean culture in Greater Manchester.
The Blessing: Power of Community
Hackney Empire, London E8 1EJ
22nd June
A powerful celebration of Windrush Day and Refugee Week, The Blessing blends music, spoken word, steel pan, and storytelling in a joyful tribute to community, welcome, and resilience. Opening with a Caribbean blessing for Hackney and closing with massed choirs and headlining artists, the event honors the legacy of Windrush and refugee generations.
Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind
Dugdale Arts Centre, London
Thursday 26 June
A stellar debut film from award-winning journalist Nadine White, Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind peels back the layered tales of Caribbean youngsters who grew up away from their parents before migrating to join them in Britain.
Windrush Blockorama - New Generation Steel Orchestra
Ark Burlington Danes Academy, London W12 0TN
22nd June
Celebrate Caribbean culture and the Windrush legacy with live performances from top youth steel bands including New Generation Steel Orchestra, Ebony Cubs & Juniors, and more. Enjoy food, storytelling, family activities, and a special ensemble performance of a Windrush-era classic. Bring your picnic blanket and join the festivities!
Windrush Celebration Collage Family Workshop
Stanley Arts, London SE25 6AB
Sunday 29 June
Join us for a special Family Sunday workshop led by local artist Yvadney Davis, whose evocative work celebrates Black British Caribbean identity. Inspired by the legacy of the Windrush Generation and in honour of Windrush Day, this workshop invites families to explore collage as a way of storytelling, archiving, and celebrating.
Windrush Day Artisan & Handmade Market
Totter Down Street Market
Sunday 22nd June 2025
A special curated event celebrating and spotlighting Black business owners. The market will take place at Totter Down Street Market location on Sunday 22nd June 2025.
Free Windrush Gardening Workshop
Ital Garden, London SE6 3SE
2 July & 6 August
Get your hands in the soil with CoCo Collective. Learn how to grow traditional Caribbean plants and herbs, and share gardening knowledge passed down through generations. No gardening experience needed. Bring your stories, your voice, and a love for food and heritage.
Black Culture Market
Brixton, London SW9 8FR
Saturday 2nd & Sun 3rd August
An indoor market showcasing a curated selection of Black businesses. You may have missed the June one but look out for their event August event on the 2nd & 3rd August.
Windrush Walking Tour
Ongoing
Discover the history of the Windrush Generation with the Windrush Walking Tour on the Go Jauntly app. Step into the history and legacy of the Windrush Generation with The Windrush Line Walking Tour, a self-guided walking tour brought to life by Transport for London, the Windrush Foundation, and Go Jauntly.
We are keen to share more activities and events happening in 2025 to celebrate the Windrush generation. Contact us or email hello@tiharasmith.com if you know of an event that should be listed here. Thank you!
Blog post image by photographer Kayleigh Pace
