Hackney Windrush
Windrush Generations Festival is back!
Hackney’s annual, month-long programme of community events to celebrate and support the Windrush generation is back.
This year it’s underscored by musical memories, with a grand opening on 17 June at Hackney Empire with the reggae musical Jah Makin It Happen. We will also mark the 40th anniversary of the BRAFA Shoreditch Park concert – aka Hackney’s answer to ‘Live Aid’ – organised by Blackstones’ Leon Leiffer, which supported the Ethiopian Famine Appeal of the 80s. In collaboration with Hackney Art Week and Hackney Picturehouse, a BRAFA photo exhibition by photographer David Corio will showcase original recording session images from 4 June.
You can also attend free community events funded by the Windrush small grants scheme alongside local cultural venue activities from 14 June to 12 July.
Find out more about the story of BRAFA (British Reggae Artists Famine Appeal)
Discover who we funded alongside the full line-up of events below!
What we are funding in 2026
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Saltwater & Stories
by I Found Me Counselling
Morningside Community Centre
14 June 2026Join this free community event, celebrating the history, resilience, and lasting legacy of the Windrush Generation. Through poetry, live music, heartfelt storytelling, cultural food, and historical reflection, the event will bring generations together in a warm and welcoming space of pride, connection, and remembrance.
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Taste of Windrush
by Romeo Bremmer and Lit Stars CIC
Hackney Archives, Dalston CLR James Library
20 June 2026Experience the flavours, stories and traditions of the Windrush Generation at this free intergenerational community event dedicated to preserving treasured family recipes and cooking traditions from across 10 Caribbean islands and Africa. Try a range of delicious Windrush-inspired dishes, desserts and drinks in a relaxed community setting.
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Windrush Herstory
by Denise Rawls
Dalston CLR James Library
27 June and 3 July 2026Join Denise Rawls for an interactive workshop exploring the overlooked experiences of women from the Windrush Generation through Caribbean and Black British literature. Engage with themes of migration, work, family, and identity through guided readings, archival materials from Centerprise, and visual media.
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Dementia: The Island Journey
by Rianna Patterson
Homerton Library
11 July 2026Dementia: The Island Journey, A Caribbean Dementia-Friendly film screening event was designed to engage and celebrate the Caribbean community! The day features an insightful panel discussion on dementia awareness and support, surprises and a delicious spread of authentic Caribbean cuisine.
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Hackney Caribbean Elderly Organisation
This is a closed event for Hackney Caribbean Elderly Organisation
Hackney Caribbean Elderly Organisation will be hosting an African and Caribbean Cultural fashion show at their community centre where they will treat their members to an afternoon of food, fashion, poetry and photography. We look forward to sharing the photos of the day!
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Rhythm of Resilience: Celebrating the Sound and Strength of our Elders
by Grace Chapel for All Nations Provost Community Hall, N1 7QX
Sunday 5 July 2026 - 1-5pm
Celebrate the sounds and strength of Windrush elders with a day of live music, history talks, storytelling and a free Caribbean meal. A photographer will be capturing the day with free resilience family portraits for people to cherish.
Windrush events 2026
Windrush history, resources and festival archive
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Windrush Commissioner launch
In July 2025, Hackney welcomed the new Windrush Commissioner Reverend Clive Foster MBE to his post. Find out more about the big day here.
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Support and resources
Educational resources, support services and community groups dedicated to the Windrush generation.
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Windrush history
Discover Hackney’s Windrush stories and explore the collections of Hackney Museum and Hackney Archives.
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Windrush Amplified Art Grant
Hackney’s Windrush Amplified Art Grant aims to elevate exceptional artists from the Windrush Generation. Find out more!
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Windrush festival highlights
Explore photo albums and highlights from each year of the Windrush Generations Festival in Hackney.
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Support for undocumented migrants
If the Scandal has affected you and you suffered losses because you could not confirm your legal status, you may be eligible for compensation.
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Hackney's Windrush Artwork Commission
Hackney Council commissioned these artworks as a permanent symbol of honour, respect and commitment to the Windrush Generation.
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