Every year, the UK shines a light on the cultural legacy created by the Windrush Generation and their descendants. This year, Catford's Broadway Theatre is hosting a special spectacle celebrating the lasting musical and cultural influences brought to Britain by the Windrush Generation.
The Windrush Generation refers to the thousands of people who travelled to the UK from Caribbean islands between 1948 and 1971, invited to help rebuild Britain after the Second World War. Since then, their influence has reached every corner of British life, from food and fashion to language, community and, of course, music. Every June, Windrush Day honours the contributions of those who made the journey and the generations who continue to carry that legacy forward.
Music has always been at the heart of the Windrush story. The sounds brought over from the Caribbean helped transform the UK's music scene, introducing new rhythms and styles that went on to influence generations of artists and fans. To mark this year's celebrations, Catford's Broadway Theatre will be hosting a vibrant concert inspired by the sounds you'd hear in a Windrush household. Freedom Band UK will take to the stage in classic 1950s-style outfits, performing live renditions of timeless favourites from the likes of Jim Reeves, Bob Marley, Millie Small, Desmond Dekker, Althea & Donna and “Leaving Rome” (the Guyanese Waltz).
Whether you grew up with these songs or are discovering them for the first time, it's set to be a proper celebration of Windrush heritage.