Windrush 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.
Windrush Day 2026
The HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks on 21 June 1948. The ship carried passengers from the Caribbean who disembarked the following day. It is a moment that helped define modern Britain and became known as Windrush Day. On 22 June 2026 we mark its 78th anniversary.
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 awarded small grants of up to £700 support people, living or working in Lewisham, to develop their own activities and events in their local community to that engage with and celebrate the Windrush story.
Remembering Windrush, Celebrating Community
- organisation: 60 Up CIC
- date and time: 15 June 2026, 11.30am-2.30pm
- venue and time: Honor Oak Community Centre SE4 2JD
Open to everyone, this special gathering celebrates the legacy of the Windrush generation while bringing the community together in a relaxed and welcoming space. Enjoy a delicious Caribbean inspired meal, connect with others, and take part in gentle “Then & Now” conversations where stories, memories, and experiences can be shared.
Windrush Voices: Then, Now & Next
- organisation: DreamCatchers WorldWide UK
- date and time: 15-17 June 2026, various times
- venue: Parkside Community Centre SE10 8GE
A series of workshops bringing together elders, young people, and ESOL learners to share stories through digital storytelling, conversation, and creative expression. The programme will culminate in a public showcase event during Windrush Week, where the wider community will be invited to view recorded stories, engage with a visual exhibition, and experience live performances.
Legacy in Motion
- organisation: Bromley Mencap and Lewisham Mencap
- date and time: 16 June 2026, 7-8.30pm
- venue: St Augustine’s Church SE12 0DU
A joyful and inclusive evening celebrating the Windrush generation through a short talk followed by an energetic, inclusive Caribbean dance workshop led by a local instructor. Designed for adults with learning disabilities, along with their families and support workers, the event uses dance and storytelling to honour heritage, spark connection, and share the cultural legacy of the local Caribbean community.
Windrush Generations: Intergenerational Arts & Heritage Programme
- organisation: Future Challenges
- date and time: 17-22 June 2026, various times
- venue: Honor Oak Community Centre SE4 2JD
A series of arts workshops led by emerging young artists, supporting local participants to develop skills in painting, drawing, and mixed media, centering the lived experiences, histories, and cultural contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants. Participants will explore themes of heritage, identity, and storytelling inspired by the Windrush generation, culminating with a four-day exhibition showcasing these works and celebrating Lewisham’s Black cultural heritage.
A Windrush Welcome
- organisation: Nzinga Dance
- date and time: 19 June 2026, 12.30-7pm
- venue: Nu Spice Caribbean Restaurant SE4 2RW
An evening honouring the legacy, culture and contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants in Lewisham through the music of the 1st & 2nd Windrush generation, selected by special guest, the legendary Lloyd Coxsone – Reggae pioneer, one of the Notting Hill Carnival founders, and Pride of Britain Award winner. Nzinga Dance will be demonstrating Caribbean cultural dances and there will be Caribbean board games and more. Free to attend, open to all.
Windrush Stories: Living Legacy
- organisation: Lewisham Black VCS Network
- date and times: 20 June 2026, 6-8.30pm
- venue: The Calabash Centre SE13 6HH
A community storytelling event celebrating the experiences and contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants bringing together local residents across generations for an evening of live storytelling, discussion, and cultural reflection. Attendees will hear personal stories from community members, take part in guided conversations, and engage in a welcoming space with music and refreshments.
Windrush Generation Celebration – St Andrews Catford
- organisation: St Andrew’s Church
- date and time: 21 June 2026, 11.30am-1.30pm
- venue: St Andrew’s Church SE6 1XD
A joyful community celebration through music, Caribbean food, spoken word, art, and storytelling honouring the legacy and ongoing contributions of the Windrush generation. Windrush elders will present lived experiences, and local children will present original poetry inspired by their heritage. With performances from local artists, including musicians and performers from the Caribbean community, alongside exhibitions of photography and filmed interviews with Windrush elders.
Caribbean Creations: A Windrush Craft Celebration
- organisation: Creative Cupboard
- date and time: TBC
- venue: Elfrida Primary School SE6 3EN
A free, family-friendly community craft afternoon celebrating the legacy and cultural contributions of the Windrush Generation open to all ages. Participants will take part in a range of creative, hands-on activities inspired by Caribbean culture, including making carnival headpieces, creating recycled percussion instruments, and creating Caribbean flags. The session will also include opportunities for storytelling and sharing memories, encouraging intergenerational connection.