Windrush Day 2024

The HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury Docks on 21 June 1948. This defining moment, now celebrated as Windrush Day, marks its 76th anniversary on 22 June 2024. Microgrants up to £500 are available for community events and projects to commemorate the day.

Lewisham is home to many residents from, and descendants of, the Windrush generation. Following last year's lively celebrations, we're gearing up to mark Windrush Day again. It's time to celebrate their vast contributions to our culture and reflect on the enduring legacy of Windrush.

We are offering small grants of up to £500 to support people, living or working in Lewisham, to develop their own activities and events in their local community to celebrate round the theme of Legacy.

Last year, the grants programme received an excellent response, leading to the organisation of events throughout the borough. These included Tilbury Talks, led by Irie! Dance Theatre—an intergenerational event inviting people of all ages to share stories and performances on the themes of arrival and settling—workshops and exhibitions hosted at the Migration Museum, and the creation of an outdoor library at Adamsrill Primary School, which showcased books inspired by the Windrush generation.

Take inspiration from last year’s events or some of the ideas below:

Organise a street party and encourage people to come together as a community.
A community event such as a meal with a cultural activity
Intergenerational event bringing older and younger people from the community together.
Storytelling event
Exhibition with photographs or oral history contributions Cultural activity – music, arts or crafts
Gardening activity
Podcast, social media event / campaign

Submit your application. Applications close midnight, Tuesday 14 May.

Published on: 30/04/2024