A carnival of culture is taking place in Bradford city centre this weekend, celebrating the Windrush generation’s achievements and Caribbean heritage.
Centenary Square will be filled with dancers, musicians and world food from 12noon until 10pm on Saturday, June 18.
The event, organised by Windrush Generations and hosted by MC Jerry Crawford, marks the 74th anniversary of Empire Windrush’s arrival to the country’s shore.
The ship carried one of the first large groups of West Indian immigrants from Jamaica to the UK after the Second World War.
They were among tens of thousands of people – known as the Windrush generation – to arrive from 1948 to help rebuild post-war Britain.
From Caribbean dishes to Quadrille Dancers and reggae tunes, the jam-packed day will see performances from young musicians and artists such as Barry Boom with the Riddim Radics band, DJs Reverend & Martell and Colin's Choir.
"It’s a day for family, for all generations and backgrounds,” events organiser Nigel Guy said.
“You don’t have to be from the Caribbean, it’s open to every Bradfordian and every person in the surrounding regions.
“There’ll be a lot of international flavour and a lot of activities.
“We are descendants of the Windrush generations. It’s the celebration of Windrush, the contributions, the care, the challenges, the conflicts and the change. It’s helping people and promoting the history.
“We would like to thank all our supporters and the people of Bradford for their support and participation.”
Other activities include funfair rides, food and drink stalls and more performances from poet MUSUFING, ska musicians and Yorkshire band Singcere.
The event has been organised by Windrush Generations’ Nigel Guy, Charles Dacres, Basil Richards, Bobsie Robinson and Byron Francis.
It comes ahead of the Bradford organisation’s pioneering flag raising ceremony, acknowledging the journey and contributions of the Windrush generation.
The ceremony will take place at 10.45am on Windrush Day in Centenary Square, next to City Park.
Windrush Day is an annual tradition which takes place every year on June 22.
Raising the stand in Bradford was first started by Windrush Generations but it is now a ceremonial act followed by the Home Office department and the Palace of Westminster in London.
Nigel added: “This flag will be raised in Bradford. At 11 o clock, it will also be raised in towns and cities across the country. That is getting bigger and bigger every year.”
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