BRADFORD marked the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the first Windrush immigrants with a festival of music and culture in City Park yesterday.

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

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.

Yesterday’s event was funded by Bradford Council, and organised by a multi-generational group of Bradfordians - called the Windrush Generations group.

The festival featured performances from numerous local and international bands, performing reggae, ska, gospel, grime, rap and Calypso music. There was also range of Caribbean food on offer, while children enjoyed a fun fair and other activities.

Acts including Trenchtown UK, Love Generation, and Natural Rhythm took part, alongside Wilson Frisk, Amanda G, and RDC Soldier.

Event coordinator Charles Dacres said: “It’s been a fantastic turnout, and it’s great to see so many people from so many different communities and backgrounds come together. It's quite special.

“Something we often overlook is the actual diversity in black communities, so it's good to see that everyone is mixing together, families and a real mix of ages.

“It's nice to get this vibe, and we're giving young local people an opportunity to perform on the stage, and for organisations to come down and showcase what they do. It's been really good."

A joint service of churches from West Yorkshire is being held at New Testament Church in Lidget Green from 2pm to 4.30pm today.

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 on show in venues across the district, including City Hall.