Windrush celebrations coming to Ipswich this June!

This year is the 78th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush generation. As a port town, Ipswich is founded on a rich cultural history of welcoming people from other countries to the East of England, with Caribbean people arriving in Ipswich during the Windrush era in 1948.

In its 7th year of celebrations, the event takes place on the Cornhill and on Monday 22nd June from 12– 4.:30, delivered in partnership with the Suffolk Windrush Select Committee. A full stage programme is coming to town including a live steel band and Skippa J on the decks.

 The 2019 event was the first instance of the Festival, a year after the 22 June was agreed as a national day of recognition for the Windrush generation.

 The Suffolk Windrush Select Committee was successful in obtaining funding in 2021 and this was spent on a comprehensive programme of online and radio activity. From 2022 to 2025 the events have been on a large stage format with four hours of talks and musical performances, combined with a small exhibition and ‘elders’ refreshments.

 This year will see:

• A marketplace of local stall holders

• Vendors selling delicious Caribbean food

• A full stage programme to delight and entertain

Cllr Jane Riley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, says: “The Windrush celebration on the Corn Hill will be a wonderful way to celebrate the cultural richness of the Windrush generation and will bring everyone together to brighten the weekend, whatever the British weather.”