Windrush in Waltham Forest

802 West Indian migrants stepped off the HMT Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury on 22 June 1948, the first of what became known as the Windrush Generation in Britain and the birth of the UK’s modern multiracial society.   

Fuelled in part by British government campaigns to address domestic labour shortages, nearly 500 thousand people moved from the Caribbean to Britain in the following two decades. Nonetheless, issues stemming from societal racism including systemic disadvantages in employment, housing, and education – leading up to the 2018 Windrush scandal – remain a key factor in the legacy of Windrush.  

Today, Waltham Forest’s 25,000-strong Afro-Caribbean community is a vibrant and valuable part of our cultural fabric. The legacy of the Windrush Generation which will surely loom large in Waltham Forest for many years to come.

Building on the success of Windrush's 75th anniversary celebrations in 2023, the third ever Waltham Forest Windrush Festival will again showcase the very best in Afro-Caribbean music, food art and history in celebration of the Windrush Generation and their legacy.  

Between 11am to 6pm, Fellowship Square will feature food and craft stalls, music and dance performances, workshops and family friendly activities brought to you by 16 community groups in partnership with Waltham Forest Council. 

Starting with a Flag-Raising Ceremony, the full partner programme also includes: 

• Educational workshops with the Waltham Forest Twinning Association 

• Ludo Workshops with TwoTwos Art 

• Percussion workshop with Axodus 

• Unheard Stories exhibit with Age UK Waltham Forest 

• Games, dominoes and display with Afro-Caribbean Elders Association 

• Preloved Pop-Up Emporium with Sphere 

• Podcasting and games with Creative Engagement 

• Film screening and Q&A with Alison Ray 

• Masks Workshop with GB Carnival 

• African Exhibition with the Writers and Actors Forum