This year marks 75 years since the Empire Windrush ship set sail from the Caribbean to the shores of Britain. 

Those who stepped off the historic ship - many of whom were veterans of the Second World War - would go on to help rebuild post-war Britain.

The poignant anniversary has inspired an array of Windrush 75 events in the Bradford district.

Bradford's events have been organised by Windrush Generations, the Bradford Heritage Arts and Culture planning group, and partners. 

There has already been a packed calendar of activities - including an eight mile long walk to transform a community hub and debate in the council chambers of City Hall. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Walkers heading on the Windrush 75 walk this weekend

Windrush 75 events in Bradford 

Here's how you can get involved in marking the anniversary during 2023. 

Raising the Standard for Windrush 

When: Thursday June 22, 10.30am 

Where: Centenary Square

What: The Windrush Flag will be raised at 11am whilst guests will hear from civic, guest speakers, and young performers in honour of elders who paved the way. Free event. 

Windrush 75 Full Basket Tea Party

When: Thursday June 22, 12pm until 3pm

Where: Fountains Church, Glydegate Square

What: A special occasion by invite only for Windrush elders and advocates. To request an invite for an elderly family member, email windrush-generations@outlook.com

Wah Innaa D Grip Exhibition

When: Thursday June 22, 12pm until 3pm

Where: Fountains Church, Glydegate Square

What: A special exhibition will be shown before it tours between June and October at various schools and hubs in Bradford district

Windrush 75 - Not Out 

When: Friday June 23, 12pm onwards

Where: Bradford Park Avenue Cricket Ground, Canterbury Avenue

What: A cricket and domino festival. There will be a fun day of friendly matches between seniors and junior matches as well as sports coaching for youth players. Teams from Bradford, Leeds, Huddersfield, Preston, Manchester, the Midlands, and London will be attending. There will be a special guest appearance from a former International West Indies Cricket player as well as live music and DJs. Free for all.

Windrush Stories 'Don't Give Up' exhibition

When: Friday June 23 to July 3

Where: Bradford Literature Festival Hub

What: Free entry to the exhibition - access times can be found on the Bradford Literature Festival website. 

Finding Home

When: Saturday June 24, 4.15pm until 5.45pm

Where: John Stanley Bell Lecture Theatre, The University of Bradford

What: A film premier, book launch and panel discussions. Alford Gardner, now in his late 90s, is one of the few Windrush passengers still alive to share his experiences. He travelled on the Empire Windrush from Jamaica in 1948. More information can be found on the Bradford Literature Festival website. 

Windrush Parade

When: Saturday June 24, 5pm till late

Where: North Parade

What: A mini takeover at the cultural hotspots of North Parade to the sound of music by artists and DJs.

Small Island

When: Sunday June 25, 2pm till 4.30pm

Where:  The Light Cinema, The Broadway

What: The story of a Jamaican woman who is reunited with her husband in post-war London. She encounters a number of challenges as she adjusts to her new life.

The Joy of Windrush

When: Sunday June 25, 4.45pm till 7pm

Where: Alhambra Theatre

What: A thanksgiving service with live on stage guest speakers, performances from the Windrush Celebration Choir, poetry, dance and full audience participation. Free but ticketed event. More details can be found on the Bradford Literature Festival website.

The 7 Cs Windrush Conference

When: Thursday July 13, 9.30am until 3.30pm

Where: TBC

What: Hear from local and national speakers who will be performing workshops. There are 120 places for delegates. For more information, email windrush-generations@outlook.com

RaPoetry of Windrush

When: July to Octber 2023, various dates

Where: Various community spaces across the UK

What: A gathering of intergenerational poets and rappers who will be holding creative writing workshops and performing Windrush inspired work on the journeys and contributions of a generation. For entry details, email windrush-generations@outlook.com