Past present and future of Windrush generations recognised throughout June

A one-day art festival, an exhibition and documentary showcasing the history of a legendary Carnival sound system, and a young people’s National Theatre Connections show, are among the projects celebrating the theme of Hackney’s 2024 Windrush Generations Festival Past. Present, Future.

Funded by Hackney’s Windrush Microgrant Scheme, five Hackney-based community groups, not-for-profit organisations and venues have received grants of up to £2,000 for events and activities that preserve, expand or enrich the legacy of the Windrush generation, reflect the Council Motion acknowledging the current fight for justice, and empower Windrush descendants with positive representation and opportunities to develop skills.

In addition to the annual Windrush microgrants, Hackney-based Windrush descendant artist Wayne Snooze has been awarded the new Windrush Amplified Art grant. Inspired by hand-drawn signage seen in Jamaican shops, Snooze’s images using traditional screen printing techniques, will be displayed across three sites in the borough in June, and shared on Love Hackney’s website, Facebook and Instagram. 

This year’s Windrush Generations Festival programme will feature:

All in the Same Boat by Clapton Commons
Wednesdays 5, 12 & 19 June, 3-5pm
All In The Same Boat explores the forgotten story of 66 Polish war refugees who arrived in the UK on the Empire Windrush boat. All ages are welcome to join for a series of events involving film screenings, map explorations, art making and poetry. Clapton Commons will uncover this unknown chapter of history and reflect on stories of displacement.
Common Rooms at Clapton Commons, Cazenove Ward, London, E5 9BW.

Wind/Rush Generation(s) by Hoxton Hall
Thursday 13 June, 7-8.45pm
Join Hoxton Hall for an unforgettable theatrical experience as talented 16-21 year-olds take center stage to perform a captivating play that explores the profound and poignant story of Windrush. The theatre are thrilled to be a part of a vibrant community of young performers, bringing to life a powerful narrative that resonates with history, culture, and the human spirit. Followed by a Q&A with the directors and cast members after the performance. 
Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, London N1 6SH.

Thank You Papa Awards by Thank You Organisation
Sunday 16 June, 2-7pm
Father’s Day awards ceremony honouring the work of Windrush fathers past and present in the community, plus an educational quiz and an intergenerational dinner and dance. Limited £10 tickets available. Suitable for all ages. 
Mellow Mix, Banqueting Hall, Stoke Newington, London N16 7UR.

The Mighty Ruler Sound System exhibition - The Return to Hackney
Wednesday 19 - 26 June, 10am-6pm
An exhibition at Hackney Archives hailing the history of the infamous Mighty Ruler sound system, including a short documentary looking at how West Indian music, brought over by the African and Caribbean Windrush population, played a key role in breaking down barriers in the 50s-70s. 
Hackney Archives, Dalston CLR James Library, Dalston Square, London, E8 3BQ.

A Wind Rush of Creative Experiences by The Bop Hub
Saturday 22 June, 10am-4pm
A one-day festival across three Hoxton locations (Hoxton Gardens, Hoxton Market and Hoxton Works), for residents of all ages, including art workshops inspired by African and Caribbean artists, film screening plus soca dancing and a history workshop. Suitable for all ages. 
Hoxton Works, 128 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6SH; Hoxton Trust Gardens, 156 Hoxton Street, London N1 6SH.

On Windrush Day (22 June) a plaque will be unveiled in Stonebridge Gardens, Haggerston to mark the planting of three trees dedicated to the legacy of the Windrush generation, people invited by successive governments between 1948 and 1971 to relocate to Britain from their homes in Commonwealth countries to help rebuild post-war Britain. 

This will be followed by a free intergenerational family event, representing the future of the Windrush generations, featuring an afternoon of music, song and face painting. Hosted by the Council at St John’s Church from 1-3.30pm, families are invited to enjoy performances inspired by the legacy of Windrush from the Baby Broadway gospel choir, singer Chloe Carter, reggae legends Jah Bunny and acts from talented young residents due to perform at this year’s Hackney Carnival. Tickets are free and can be booked via the Love Hackney Eventbrite. 

Visit the Windrush Events Calendar to find out what’s happening.

Notes

Claudia Jones Organisation 

If Windrush has affected you and you suffered losses because you could not confirm your legal status, you may be eligible for compensation from the government. The Claudia Jones Organisation, with over 35 years of supporting African Caribbean women and families in Hackney and surrounding boroughs in London, provides free and confidential advice. Email info@claudiajones.org or call 020 7241 1646 between 10am-6pm.

This year’s Windrush programme includes events that highlight the past, present and future of the Windrush story. As our population of Windrush descendants continues to grow, it is important that we preserve and share the true history of Windrush and help to create a bright future for the next generation. 

The fantastic community-run projects enable us to move away from singular narratives that limit the community to one group of people from one island, class, age group, or story of injustice, and instead explore the wider experience of Windrush to present an authentic account for future generations. I hope as many residents as possible will visit the new plaque on Windrush Day to acknowledge the journey alongside the ongoing fight for justice as we face the very present issues of the Windrush Scandal.

Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Equalities and Windrush