Windrush 75 – Remembering the struggle, celebrating the contribution and flourishing for the future: A Service of Thanksgiving will take place in Southwark Cathedral at 2pm on Thursday 22 June 2023. It will mark the 75th anniversary of the docking of the MV Empire Windrush into Tilbury Docks, which brought more than 500 Caribbean men and women who responded to an invitation to come to a country in recovery from World War II. The service will celebrate the significant role of the Windrush Generation in shaping the cultural landscape of Britain.
Join the service
Watch a live stream of the service online via the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) YouTube channel.
Download the Order of Service.
Service background
Dionne Gravesande, Chair of the Windrush 75 planning committee, said: “This momentous occasion brings together diverse communities, faiths, and organisations in a spirit of collaboration and partnership. The service presents a unique opportunity for people of all backgrounds to unite, celebrate the Windrush generation’s profound contributions, and reaffirm our commitment to a shared society where all people can flourish.”
The Rt Rev Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon, said: “This anniversary offers a unique moment in the life of our nation when we can honour the legacy of the Windrush generation and hear how younger voices are building on their extraordinary heritage. We will be celebrating their achievements and expressing our deep gratitude – as well as acknowledging the struggles that they have faced.”
A number of key community leaders, senior Church figures and politicians have been invited to the service, and there will also be a delegation of Church leaders from across the Caribbean who will add an international dimension to the gathering. The church service itself will be an eclectic mix of preaching, poetry, prayers, choirs and soloists. One of its key aspects will be the involvement of the younger generation; students from local schools will be participating in the act of worship, while the service’s final segment will be led by some of the younger voices in the Black church.
Read more
Why Windrush 75 is all our history.
Find out where else Windrush 75 church-led events are taking place.
Photo credit: © Dean & Chapter of Westminster Abbey. From the Windrush 70 service