BRADFORD will mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the first Windrush immigrants with a festival in City Park later this month.

The anniversary will also be celebrated with a civic reception for Caribbean dignitaries, community champions and "unsung heroes" fro the Windrush generation that will be held in Bradford City Hall.

The event has been funded by Bradford Council, and organised by a multi-generational group of Bradfordians - called the Windrush Generations group.

The City Park festival of music and culture will feature performances from numerous local and international bands, performing reggae, ska, gospel, grime, rap and Calypso music. There will also be Caribbean food, a fun fair and activities in the city centre.

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the Empire Windrush arriving in London, bringing the first wave of post-war West Indian immigrants from Jamaica.

Many were invited to re-locate and offered jobs helping rebuild the UK after the devastation of the Second World War.

The concert will feature over two dozen performances by acts including Trenchtown UK, Love Generation and Natural Rhythm as well as Wilson Frisk, Amanda G, RDC Soldier.

Pupils from Appleton Academy will also be performing on the day.

A spokesperson for the Windrush Generations group, which has been planning events for the anniversary since September, said: “The commemorative events will be a worthy acknowledgement of the many people from the Caribbean and Commonwealth nations, who took up the great call of restoration for the UK after the Second World War.

"These pioneers settled across the country, with some wisely making this region their new home. We are pleased to continue this legacy of being an integral and active part in all fields of society in the UK, helping to establish and sustain a rich and diverse nation.

"We are raising funds for good causes both locally and internationally and locally designed emblem pin badges will also be worn in respective Parliaments in the UK and Caribbean."

The civic reception will be held in Bradford City Hall at noon on Friday June 22 and will be hosted by the Lord Mayor of Bradford.

At 3.30pm on the Friday there will be a commemorative flag raising in Centenary Square.

The festival will run from 10am to 7pm on Saturday June 23.

On Sunday June 24 there will be a joint service of churches from West Yorkshire at New Testament Church in Lidget Green from 2pm to 4.30pm.

There will also be a specially commissioned multi media exhibition capturing the life and stories of the Windrush Generation legacy and their journey to Bradford and the UK in venues across the district, including City Hall.

In addition and over the next 12 months there will be further Windrush Generation events in the region including educational, health and business expo’s to promote good practice with local and international trade and to establish new enterprises.