Lewisham commemorates Windrush 75
Lewisham Council is paying tribute to the Windrush Generation and their descendants, who’ve contributed to every aspect of life in the borough and beyond, with a series of events and activities taking place throughout June.
Thursday 22 June marks 75 years since 500 passengers from the Caribbean arrived at Tilbury Docks on the HMT Empire Windrush. They were the first of many invited to relocate to Britain by successive governments to address labour shortages between 1948 and 1971. Many made their home in Lewisham which today has one of the largest Caribbean communities in the UK.
Broadway Theatre one-off event
On Thursday 22 June the Council joins the Windrush Foundation and the award-winning theatre group Nouveau Riche to present Windrush 75: The Lewisham Story. This one-off intergenerational event will take place at Broadway Theatre in Catford and promises to be a fantastic evening of live performance featuring music, spoken word, dance and the NHS Choir. It will be hosted by Robbie Gee and Eddie Nestor.
Council funded community events
The Council has also funded a commemorative community-led programme through its Windrush 75 microgrant scheme. Ensuring local community groups, cultural organisations and educational institutions can deliver a range of events and activities across the borough to showcase the very best in African Caribbean music, food, art and history.
Among the ten community events is a radio show, an intergenerational dance performance, a play reading, an outdoor library and a day-long festival at the Migration Museum. All are free for residents to attend unless otherwise noted. Full details can be found on the Lewisham Council website lewisham.gov.uk/Windrush75
The Windrush 75 programme is part of Lewisham Council’s year-round commitment to supporting African Caribbean communities and understanding the African Caribbean lived experiences through its Black History Lewisham 365 programme. Further events are planned this year. For more details visit
Cllr Brenda Dacres, Deputy Mayor of Lewisham, said:
“There’s a special bond between Lewisham and the Windrush Generation. It’s a great honour that so many chose to settle in our borough. Their incredible contributions, as well as those of their descendants can be felt in every aspect of local life but also right across the country. It’s right that we acknowledge that each year on Windrush Day and even more so this year with it being the 75th anniversary.
“My parents arrived in the UK from Jamaica in 1959 and 1961. Like many others, they responded to Britain’s call but were not always made to feel welcome. When I think of what that generation achieved despite the prejudice, it’s awe-inspiring. We don’t want their stories to be lost. It’s one of the reasons there’s a strong intergenerational theme to our commemorations.”
“It’s important to note this is British history so I’d encourage all residents to join us in commemorating. Visit our website to find out what events and activities are taking place – there’s something for all ages.”
Bridgit Sam-Bailey, Mayoress of Lewisham, said:
“I’m part of the Windrush Generation having come to the UK from Guyana in the early 1960s. While training as a teacher, I experienced many challenges first hand. But we were a resilient bunch. We rose above adversity, racism and discrimination and poor living conditions to buy houses, build businesses and build communities. We found happiness and we found joy. I am proud of what we achieved and feel sure that the Council’s Windrush 75 programme will ensure our legacy lives on for many more generations in Lewisham. “
Arthur Torrington, Director of the Windrush Foundation, said:
“It's important to carry on sharing the authentic stories and experiences of those that arrived on the Empire Windrush - not just in this milestone year but for future generations to come. We are excited to be co-producing the event at the Broadway Theatre and look forward to welcoming residents young and old to mark this special anniversary with us."
Robbie Gee – Actor, comedian, producer
“It’s imperative that we acknowledge those who answered the invitation from the ‘Mother Country’, an came to help rebuild an Empire. 75 years later, I’m still astonished by what they forfeited…and the pride they showed whilst doing so.”
Eddie Nestor - Actor, stand-up comedian, television and radio presenter
“It is a huge privilege to be part of what we know will be a wonderful celebration of the immense contribution made by what has come to be known as the Windrush generation. 75 years on, we plan to pay tribute and show gratitude.”