'It's important that people remember': Community unites for Windrush Day
The event marks seventy-eight years since the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush
People in Wellingborough are coming together today to celebrate Windrush Day and honour the generations who helped shape the town's community.
The free event at The Castle Theatre and Wellingborough Museum includes live music, family activities, a flag-raising ceremony and a special honours presentation recognising first-generation members of the Windrush Generation who settled in the area.
Windrush Day marks the anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. Those who arrived in the UK from Caribbean countries between 1948 and 1971 became known as the Windrush Generation and played a significant role in helping to build modern Britain.
Organiser Glenroy Bill said this year's event is focused on recognising the past while bringing families and communities together.
"This year we've got the annual flag raising and we also have an honours ceremony," he said.
Activities are taking place from 4pm to 6pm at The Castle Theatre and Wellingborough Museum and include Caribbean music from live performers and DJs, mini golf, face painting and refreshments.
"It's just a nice social environment for people to come and socialise," Bill said.
The formal celebrations begin at around 6pm with the raising of the official Windrush flag alongside Caribbean national flags.
The mayor, councillors and other guests are attending the ceremony, which will include speeches before celebrations continue inside The Castle Theatre.
A special honours ceremony will recognise 10 first-generation members of the local Windrush community who were nominated by relatives and community members.
The evening programme features award presentations, poetry and live performances celebrating the lives and contributions of those being honoured.
For Bill, who is a third-generation descendant of the Windrush Generation, the day is particularly meaningful.
"My grandparents are first generation and my wife's grandparents are also first generation," he said.
"For us it's a family tradition that we wanted to be part of and many people in the community want to be part of it as well."
He said the event is an opportunity to acknowledge the journeys made by Caribbean migrants and the impact they have had on communities across the country.
"There has been a massive contribution, maybe quiet, not always loud and seen, but lots of people have worked really hard over the years raising families and being part of the community," he said.
"From sport and business to public services and community leadership, people have contributed across the board."
Bill said many members of the first generation preferred to "just get on with things" rather than speak about their achievements, making it even more important to recognise their stories today.
He hopes visitors leave with a greater appreciation of the role family and community have played in the Windrush story.
"Family is the key," he said.
"It should be a family and community celebration. It's important that people remember those who came here from the Caribbean, contributed and became part of the community."
The event is open to everyone, with organisers encouraging residents to drop in, enjoy the atmosphere and learn more about the Windrush legacy.
Bill added: "You can enjoy the music, watch the flag raising, spend time with family and friends and be part of a really positive community event."