Windrush Events 2025
Check out this year’s events from our community partners and those funded via our Windrush microgrant scheme. From film screenings, book readings, music and markets - and with many free events - everyone can find ways to honour Hackney’s Windrush roots.
Ridley Road Market: Windrush Market
Join us on Ridley Road Market with your friends and family to celebrate the remarkable legacy of the Windrush generation. We're bringing together the Caribbean and wider Ridley Road communities for a day filled with delicious street food, live entertainment, free face painting from NyGlorious, an interactive flag-making workshop, mini carnival parade from Tropical Isles, steel pan, drumming workshops from One Drum Foundation.
For more information, check out the Eventbrite page where you can book a free ticket.
This Is My Story: Documenting Windrush Legacy
Bring your family along to a legacy writing workshop, led by 17 year old Hackney author, Romeo Bremmer, and featuring 11 year old author Jahmari Maxwell.
Book your free ticket through eventbrite.
Under Your Nose: UK Black LGBTQ+ Activist Histories
Queertopia Consortium invites you to a screening and discussion of Under Your Nose, a powerful documentary by Veronica McKenzie, chronicling the fight to open the UK’s first Black Lesbian and Gay Centre in the 1980s. The film captures the activism and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ pioneers, whose legacy continues to shape today’s movements.
Through interviews, archival footage, and rare materials, Under Your Nose explores Black LGBTQIA+ activism, feminism, and resistance against Section 28. A live Q&A with McKenzie will create space for intergenerational conversations on activism and identity.
More than a screening, this event is a celebration of Hackney’s activist history, bringing people together to honour the past and inspire the future.
Free. Book your ticket here.
Hackney Caribbean Elders Organisation: Pass the Grip
Pass the Grip: Keeping memories & stories alive, from one generation to the next.
The Blessing: Power of Community
Join the Hackney Empire on Windrush Day for The Blessing: a spectacular celebration marking Windrush Day and Refugee Week 2025 that will bring together musicians, artists and the local community.
Tickets are bookable through the Hackney Empire website.
Celebrating the Windrush Line
In honour of this year’s Windrush Day and the launch of the new Windrush Line, we invite you to a heartfelt commemoration at Dalston Junction Station. In collaboration with the Windrush Foundation, this intimate gathering will celebrate the enduring legacy and contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants.
Windrush Caribbean Film Festival: The Story of Cymande + Short Films
The Windrush Caribbean Film Festival (WCFF) shines a light on the journeys, struggles, and triumphs of Caribbean people in Britain. This year’s theme, Belonging, Being and Becoming, looks at how people find their place in the world, shape their identity, and build their future.
Book this event through the Hackney Picturehouse website.
Windrush Day Market
Come to Hackney Town Hall Square on Windrush Day for a family market that celebrates the Windrush Generation and their descendants.
With stalls that give platforms to independant traders, activities, food and music, this will be a celebration of Hackney’s Windrush communities and their story, as well as a fun day out for everyone to enjoy.
J4: Windrush Day 2025 - Legacy & Justice
An unforgettable evening of entertainment, conversation, music, and action. Hosted by actor and Justice4 CEO Colin McFarlane (The Dark Knight, Doctor Who), the night features exclusive campaign film screenings, a live Q&A with special guests, and more to be announced.
This event is bookable through Eventbrite.
Windrush Caribbean Film Festival: Burning an Illusion + Q&A
The Windrush Caribbean Film Festival (WCFF) shines a light on the journeys, struggles, and triumphs of Caribbean people in Britain. This year’s theme, Belonging, Being and Becoming, looks at how people find their place in the world, shape their identity, and build their future.
This event is bookable through the Rio website.
The Black Burlesque School Social: Celebrating the Windrush Generation
This Windrush Day, The Black Burlesque school will host a day of movement classes and performances, showcasing the students and guest tutors of Black Burlesque School.
This is a ticketed event. Book your place by visiting the Black Burlesque website.
Windrush Culinary Cookout
A day filled with delicious food, vibrant music, and great company at the Riverwalk Apartments. Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes inspired by the Windrush generation while enjoying the beautiful outdoor setting by the river. This event is a celebration of culture, community, and of course, fantastic flavors! Don't miss out on this opportunity to savor the tastes of the Windrush culinary heritage.
Windrush: Legacy in Colour
Join Clapton Girls Academy as they unveil a new mural created by students in collaboration with artist Wayne Snooze and shaped by the real-life stories of the Windrush Generation.
Caribbean Food Growing in London: Scotch Bonnet
This June, you can learn how to grow Caribbean vegetables at the Allens Community Garden, including scotch bonnet, chillies, callaloo and broad leaf thyme! Learn more about Caribbean food growing cultures and share your favourite recipes over three workshops.
This event is FREE but you must book through eventbrite.
Windrush Music Programme: Celebrating BRAFA
Love telling stories through music? Want to perform on the legendary Hackney Empire stage this Windrush Day? Join our Windrush music Programme – a vibrant, intergenerational journey celebrating legacy through song calling Caribbean elders and young people to come together, share stories, write songs, and create something unforgettable – then bring it to life on one of London’s most historic stages.
Every Sunday From 1st June | 2PM – 5PM at Rising Tide Trust, Hackney
Final performance: Hackney Empire | Windrush Day | Sunday 22nd June 2025. We’ll keep the vibes flowing with hot food and drinks provided every session! To sign up or for more info: info@rising-tide.org.uk
Inspired by the legacy of the British Reggae Artists Famine Appeal (BRAFA). To find out more visit lovehackney.uk/brafa-square
Caribbean Food Growing in London: Broad Leaf Thyme
This June, you can learn how to grow Caribbean vegetables at the Allens Community Garden, including scotch bonnet, chillies, callaloo and broad leaf thyme! Learn more about Caribbean food growing cultures and share your favourite recipes over three workshops.
This event is FREE but you must book through eventbrite.
Caribbean Food Growing in London: Callaloo
This June, you can learn how to grow Caribbean vegetables at the Allens Community Garden, including scotch bonnet, chillies, callaloo and broad leaf thyme! Learn more about Caribbean food growing cultures and share your favourite recipes over three workshops.
This event is FREE but you must book through eventbrite.
Young Hackney celebrates the Windrush Line
Young Hackney and Arriva Rail celebrate the renaming of the Windrush Line over the course of three workshops starting from May 9th.
The Land of Hope and Glory – Book Signing & Talk with Maurice Hope
Join Arriva Rail and The windrush Foundation at Dalston Junction Station for a special book signing and conversation with Olympian boxer Maurice Hope OBE, who shares his personal journey during the Windrush era. Hear firsthand his moving testimony and memories of arriving in the UK, including his first impressions of Dalston Junction. A unique opportunity to connect with history through lived experience.
Free, just turn up at the recently renamed Windrush Line - Dalston Junction Station.
Young Hackney celebrates the Windrush Line
Young Hackney and Arriva Rail celebrate the renaming of the Windrush Line over the course of three workshops starting from May 9th.
Young Hackney celebrates the Windrush Line
Young Hackney and Arriva Rail celebrate the renaming of the Windrush Line over the course of three workshops starting from May 9th.