Windrush Day is observed annually on June 22 in the United Kingdom. This day celebrates the advent of Afro-Caribbean immigrants to British shores and the British Caribbean community. After the Second World War, an estimated 500,000 individuals migrated to England. After a successful campaign led by Patrick Vernon, the first Windrush Day took place on June 22, 2018. Since then, an increasing number of individuals have begun to participate in Windrush Day celebrations and observances to demonstrate sympathy for the hardships that previous generations of Black Britons endured and that the current generations continue to endure.
The background of Windrush Day
The Empire Windrush brought 492 Caribbean immigrants to Tilbury Docks, Essex, on June 22, 1948. While news reports stated that there were 492 passengers on board, the ship’s logs indicate that there were more than a thousand. Following the Second World War, the British government deemed it essential to recruit Afro-Caribbean migrants for the production of steel, coal, iron, and food, as well as the operation of public transport. The first Afro-Caribbean immigrants encountered violence and intolerance from the predominant white population during the transition period. Additionally, black people were barred from many taverns, clubs, and churches.
Patrick Vernon acknowledged the significance of the day and advocated for its observance to recognise the contribution of migrants to British society, culture, and the economy. The first petition to this effect was launched by Vernon in 2013, followed by a second campaign in 2018, during the Windrush scandal. The government accepted the petition and designated June 22 as Windrush Day. A grant of up to £500,000 was also awarded to the community to recognise the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants to Britain’s cultural diversity. Although Windrush Day is not a national holiday in the United Kingdom, the day is celebrated with parades, celebrations, and other events.
National HVAC Tech Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Events
Positive Media Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities
Glastonbury Festival England 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities
5 facts about the United Kingdom that will astound you
In England, French was the official language for three centuries.
Every day, approximately 165 million glasses of tea are consumed by the British.
The first city in the world to have subterranean subways was London.
Queen Elizabeth II is the monarch with the longest tenure in history.
The maximum distance between any British settlement and the coast is 72 miles.
WINDRUSH DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 22 | Thursday |
| 2024 | June 22 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 22 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 22 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 22 | Tuesday |
