Windrush at Fellowship Square
Building on the success of the very first Waltham Forest Windrush Festival last year, the Council is expanding its community-led programme in Waltham Forest in June 2023 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush's arrival at the Port of Tilbury in 1948 and the birth of the UK's modern multiracial society.
Starting with Windrush Day Flag Raising Ceremony there will be a host of events and activities happening at Fellowship Square, and across the borough, leading up to the second ever Waltham Forest Windrush Festival which showcases the very best in Afro Caribbean music, food, art and history.
All events below are free to attend unless otherwise noted.
Windrush Day – Thursday 22 June
A Flag-Raising Ceremony and Moment of Silence in honour of the Windrush Generation from 10am. A formal ceremony will take place from between 5pm and 7:30pm including speeches, presentations, performances and a drinks reception. The Town Hall foyer will also host Waltham Forest Twinning Association’s Windrush and Black Health Display throughout the week.
Windrush Anchor Art Installation - Windrush 75: Passing the Baton – Friday 23 June
From 10am, partners Trodition and Sojourner present this Windrush Anchor Art Installation in the Town Hall foyer with a welcome address and curator talk from 11:30am, and the screening of a 15-minutes short film reflecting on Journey of the Windrush Pioneer John Richards at 1pm.
Play - Windrush Story: Streets Paved With Gold – Friday 23 June
Presented by Trodition and Sojourner, this one-man-play from acclaimed actor Victors Richards immerses audiences in the experience of first-generation Afro-Carribean settlers in Britain. From 7pm in the Council Chambers at Waltham Forest Town Hall.
Waltham Forest Windrush Festival – Saturday 24 June
Between 11am to 7pm, Fellowship Square will feature food and craft stalls, music and dance performances, workshops and family friendly activities brought to you by 13 community groups in partnership with Waltham Forest Council.
Musical tribute – O, Happy Day!! – Saturday 24 June
Special musical performance at Windrush Festival by The African Diaspora Festival Choir at 4pm at Fellowship Square. Conducted by the acclaimed Broadway and West End vocal arranger and musical director, Chapman Roberts; the choir will be joined by an exceptional group of singers.
Events and activities happening in Waltham Forest
We are partnering with a host of local community groups, museums, libraries and local schools to deliver a range of events and activities across the borough.