Community groups across England will receive a share of £500,000 in government funding to deliver events and cultural projects marking Windrush Day 2026.
Thirty-three initiatives — from Plymouth to Leeds — have been selected to stage festivals, exhibitions, performances and educational programmes celebrating the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants to British society.
The funding, announced on 15 May, will support activities leading up to the eighth annual Windrush Day on 22 June 2026. The projects are designed to bring communities together while preserving and sharing the stories, culture and achievements of Caribbean migrants who helped shape modern Britain.
Minister for Faith and Communities Nesil Caliskan said the Windrush generation had played a vital role in building contemporary Britain.
She said the funded projects were helping to honour that legacy while encouraging communities to celebrate a shared national history.
Among the organisations receiving support is Pantonic Steel Orchestra in London, which will deliver 'Steel Roots, Future Voices', combining steel pan music, storytelling and exhibitions before culminating in a public cultural showcase.
In Birmingham, Changing Our Lives will run 'Windrush Through Our Senses', bringing together young people with learning disabilities and Windrush elders through workshops exploring Caribbean history and identity in accessible ways.
The Jamaica Society in Leeds will host a city-wide educational and cultural programme featuring school workshops, a Reflection Wall, a Young Entrepreneurs Expo and a public celebration on Windrush Day itself.
Liverpool-based Whispered Tales will stage a 20-minute performance highlighting the story of the SS 'Ormonde', the ship that brought 241 Caribbean passengers to Liverpool, with performances planned in schools and public venues.
Elsewhere, Full Gospel Revival Centre in Nottingham will document first-hand accounts from Windrush elders in a professionally produced film as part of a wider programme of music and short-film events.
In Bristol, Tapestry of Black Britons CIC will create woven and embroidered artworks reflecting Windrush heritage, which will later tour locations across England.
Leicester City Council Libraries will develop educational installations and immersive experiences across 16 public libraries, alongside a city festival expected to attract around 60,000 visitors.
Oxford City Council will deliver a series of community events including panel discussions, exhibitions, memorial lectures and film projects focused on the city’s Windrush history.
Since the funding programme was introduced in 2018, more than 300 projects have shared £4.25 million in government support aimed at recognising the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants.
All funded initiatives are expected to stage activities on Windrush Day, 22 June 2026, with projects concluding by late July. Photo by The wub, Wikimedia commons.
