FIVE years ago, Thurrock celebrated the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush at Tilbury.
THIS year a series of events are being planned to mark the 65th anniversary of the ship carrying 492 West Indians, the first wave of Caribbean migrants to work in Great Britain – starting this nation’s multi-cultural society.
Saturday, 22 June marks the anniversary of this iconic voyage and a celebration is planned which will involve a number of national partners culminating that weekend.
The celebrations started on Wednesday, 5 June, with a tour of the port by the Jamaican High Commissioner to Britain, Mrs Aloun Assamba, which involves a visit to the London Cruise Terminal – where the Windrush docked; and the opening of a free Windrush exhibition there which runs until 23 June.
The final weekend starts on the Saturday which includes a river cruise and a special Caribbean-themed reception.
But on the Sunday, the Cruise Terminal will host a family day for all ages – free for under 12s and £10 for others – with Caribbean cuisine, music workshops, an interactive exhibition tour and dance performances, and a last chance to see the exhibition.
