We are sharing the festival weekend with the WINDRUSH GENERATIONS ‘Carnival of Cultures’ whose purpose over the weekend is to engage with the local community to encourage them to celebrate the creative cultural diversity of Bradford, through a Caribbean flavour, Stage Show of Music, Arts, Dance, and World Foods. There will also be a large Family Fun Fair to compliment the planned programme.
The event aims to bring all our cultures together in a big two-day celebration of our common goal in enjoying our differences and commonality. The Carnival of Cultures will promote social harmony in a safe environment, with all the region enjoying an event that celebrates them and the contribution that people from all over the world has brought to Bradford.

The event will involve local people & local acts, performers, musicians with invites to the celebration sent out to the wider communities across the UK. We will again provide the people of Bradford & visitors the opportunity to enjoy the colour & diversity of what Bradford is all about.

Windrush Celebrations are important to our communities for several reasons

Recognition of Contributions: Windrush Day, celebrated on June 22nd, marks the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948. This day honours the Windrush Generation and their descendants for their immense contributions to British society, particularly in rebuilding the nation after World War II.

The Windrush Generation laid the foundations for Black British society. Celebrating their legacy helps preserve and honour their cultural heritage and the diverse contributions they have made to various sectors, including the NHS, public transport, and the arts.

Windrush Celebrations bring communities together to celebrate and reflect on the shared history and experiences of the Windrush Generation. It fosters a sense of unity and belonging among people from different backgrounds.

The celebration provides an opportunity to educate younger generations about the history and struggles of the Windrush Generation, including the challenges they faced, such as racism and the Windrush Scandal.

We often fail to remember the achievements of Black and minority ethnic communities in the reconstruction of Britain after WW2 in key roles in the public sector, NHS, industry, faith, business, construction, and various roles in public life in making Britain great, reflecting cultural diversity and secular society today.

22nd June 2025 will mark the 77th anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush, a ship carrying passengers from the Caribbean who were looking to help rebuild the mother country after WW2.

We again, intend to stage an event in Centenary Square/ City Park, that celebrates Bradford’s proud history of welcoming all cultures to the city. This Event will build upon the successful celebrations event from 2018 to present and further highlight the contribution made by the Windrush Generations

It will benefit the Bradford District by:

  • Bringing together all Communities, Families and Generations.
  • By acknowledging the Windrush Generation and how their efforts contributed to a more inclusive society in the UK
  • We will recognise and, celebrate through Music, Arts, World Foods, Drinks and, a Variety of Information and Educational Stalls which will highlight the contribution of Bradford’s pioneers and those who have made significant contribution to the Social, economic, cultural, health and education of the district.
  • Providing a platform for present and future generations, for all Communities to learn about the significant contributions of the African and Caribbean
  • Highlighting and acknowledging African and Caribbean Businesses in the District
  • Further highlighting the contributions made by the African and Caribbean Communities in core priority areas including Arts, Sports, Health, and Education.
  • Further highlighting specific contributions to the: Armed Services, Public Services, Police, NHS
  • Sense of belonging
  • Continuing to provide opportunities to Young Artists and Performers who have gained in self- confidence and personal skills development and continue to feel a genuine sense of achievement. Those previously involved in performing have enjoyed the opportunity to show the results of their hard work in front of a live audience and have enjoyed the appreciation of those who have enjoyed their performance.

We need to continue the education of African Caribbean young people growing up in towns and cities like Bradford with the issue of identity and belonging. It continues to raise some interesting questions, particularly around how these young people see their value and worth. Some of these young people are struggling to find their place in society. Often looking to alternatives to give them a sense of purpose or belonging. This potentially makes these young people vulnerable and open to extremist narratives.

The stories of resilience and determination of the Windrush Generation serve as an inspiration to current and future generations. Their achievements demonstrate the importance of perseverance, and the impact one can have on society.

Overall, our Windrush Celebrations are a way to acknowledge and appreciate the significant role that the Windrush Generation has played in shaping modern Britain. It’s a day to celebrate diversity, resilience, and the contributions of those who have helped build the nation.