BRADFORD is expected to celebrate Windrush Day this weekend with a pop-up cafe and socially-distanced street parties - complete with Caribbean cuisine and music - to recognise the contributions made by the Windrush generation and their descendants.

Windrush Day, which is celebrated on 22 June, marks the anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush arriving at Tilbury Docks, Essex, in 1948.

The majority of passengers on the ship were Caribbean, with large numbers in particular coming from Jamaica, as well as Bermuda, Trinidad and present-day Guyana.

Those passengers came from former British colonies in the hope of creating a new life for themselves in the UK, helping to re-build the country after the Second World War.

Last year, Windrush Day celebrations were held in Bradford's Centenary Square, but, amid COVID-19, the 72nd anniversay this year will be quite different.

"Things are, of course, being cancelled due to coronavirus, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate this special moment of history", said Pav Iqbal, who is encouraging people in Bradford to host their own street parties over the weekend, as long as they adhere to social distancing.

"This year we can celebrate in our homes, our gardens and our streets - it's a perfect time to get together with your household and your families, as long as we maintain social distancing", Mr Iqbal, from Saltaire, added.

"The Windrush festivities will allow communities in Bradford, and across the country, to recognise and honour the enormous contribution of those who stepped ashore at Tilbury Docks 72 years ago.

"It will keep their legacy alive for future generations, ensuring we celebrate the diversity of Britain's history."

Mr Iqbal, who helped to organise one of Bradford's Black Lives Matter protests just under two weeks ago, also said that the Kirkgate Centre in Shipley will host a pop-up cafe tomorrow, from 12 noon to 2pm, to celebrate Windrush Day.

"We'll be sharing some love and celebrating the Windrush generation, with delicious food for people to enjoy and take away.

"It’s a really important part of our history - the country was devastated after the Second World War. A whole generation of people came, not just from the Caribbean, but they were a large part of the people who came over, to help re-build our shattered economy.

"Many people in this country died in the war and whole cities had to be completely re-built. Those people coming over helped to re-build the country, so of course we have to celebrate that."

Ruby Blake, from the Saltaire/Nab Wood area, also believes that Windrush Day is an important part of British history.

Ruby, whose paternal grandparents moved from Jamaica to the UK when they were in their teens, said: "People on board the Windrush were from British colonies and were always told that they were an extension of the British Empire. They were invited over here after the war and this weekend will be about celebrating them and their contributions to British society.

"With the Windrush scandal happening in recent years, where many of the Windrush generation were wrongly deported and detained, it's nice to have this weekend to allow us to focus on the positives and honour the contributions of Caribbean people.

"It's also important that we can come together and enjoy good food!"

On Monday, a flag will also be raised outside City Hall to mark Windrush Day.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: "The Windrush generation came to Britain to help the country re-build after the war. 

"Their contribution to almost every aspect of our national life has been incalculable, and it is a pleasure for us to celebrate that.

"It is right we reflect on this hugely positive impact on our society and I’d encourage everyone to join us in appreciation of their legacy."