Birmingham’s Blackstory Partnership and Birmingham Rep have today announced a special event marking the 75th anniversary of Windrush Day on Thursday 22 June from 5pm.

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of Windrush Day, this celebratory event will acknowledge Birmingham’s Windrush Generation who contributed to the rebuilding of England, paving the way for future generations.

BBC West Midlands radio presenter, Nikki Tapper and Mykal ‘Wassifa’ Brown MBE will host this prestigious one-off event. The program includes a performance by a newly formed children’s choir, The Next Generation Choir Birmingham, a variety of guest speakers, presentations, including the unveiling of the Windrush Memorial Statue at Waterloo Station in 2022 plus the Windrush Pioneer Award Ceremony. The evening will culminate with a jamboree of music from the 50’s to modern day from Wassifa Sound System.

Jamaica was under British rule when World War II devastated the United Kingdom. England called out to the people of the West Indies to help rebuild the ‘Mother’ country and we responded. On the 21st June 1948 The SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks, on 22nd June the passengers (many from Jamaica) disembarked the ship. The mass migration from West Indies to England is known as the Windrush Generation. In 2018, the government announced the 22 June as National Windrush Day of observance.

Windrush Day – 75th Anniversary will take place at Birmingham Rep on Thursday 22 June. To book tickets visit birmingham-rep.co.uk