Haringey Celebrates Windrush Day

Haringey came together to mark Windrush Day, with a flag raising and many other events across the borough.

Haringey celebrates Windrush Day on 22 June each year to mark the anniversary of the landing of the Empire Windrush in 1948, and celebrate the contribution that the Windrush generation have made, and continue to make, to Haringey and the rest of the UK.

On Wednesday morning, the Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Gina Adamou, joined with members of the Windrush community to raise the Windrush Flag over George Meehan House, along to a musical accompaniment by the St Thomas More Catholic School choir.

In her speech to mark the occasion, Cllr Adamou said:

The Windrush generation played a crucial role in rebuilding this country following the devastation of the Second World War, and in building treasured institutions like our NHS. But their contribution goes even further than that.

The Windrush generation brought more than their suitcases. From literature and music to food and drink, the contribution of the Windrush generation has touched every area of British life. Britain today would be unimaginable without them, and their gifts have enriched our lives.

In the afternoon, a joyous celebration was held by the Haringey Learning Partnership, which was attended by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, and cabinet members Cllr Zena Brabazon and Cllr Lucia das Neves. The St Paul’s Gospel Choir brought some soulful sounds to this event, whose theme was Windrush Fashion: Voyage, Hope & Style.

Meanwhile, celebrations at Marcus Garvey Library yesterday included a tea party, poetry readings, and the first screening of a film about the support that claimants to the Windrush Compensation Scheme have been receiving at Haringey libraries.

There are more events taking place across the borough over the next few days to celebrate the immeasurable legacy of the Windrush generation in Haringey and beyond. Explore our full programme and other ways to get involved at www.haringey.gov.uk/windrush