Reflection on Windrush 2025 Celebrations
Bringing the community together
#Windrush2025 in Camden
On 22nd June 2025, Camden proudly marked the 77th anniversary of the arrival of HMS Windrush — a day to celebrate the legacy of the Windrush Generation, whose children and descendants have shaped not only our borough but the face of modern Britain.
Camden’s Windrush story is one which stands on the shoulders of pioneers such as David Pitt, Baron of Hampstead and Claudia Jones whose activism and campaigning shaped UK multiculturalism. Camden is home to innovators, creatives, artists, musicians and bold disrupto`rs whose stories inspire us every day, notable names include Jazzie B, Zak Ove, Akala, Miss Dynamite and Kingsley Ben-Adir.
This year’s Windrush celebrations brought together community, culture and history through a powerful programme of events — all rooted in the spirit of togetherness and respect for the incredible achievements and sacrifices of our Windrush pioneers.
The Annual Pitt Lecture: Inspiring Reflections on Equality, Social Justice and Hope
Held on Thursday 19th June at Bloomsbury Studio, the Annual Pitt Lecture honoured Lord David Pitt, an extraordinary man of integrity and impact who became the first black parliamentary candidate in Britain, and dedicated his life to medicine and politics. The evening marked the 60th anniversary of the UK’s Race Relations Act and featured a keynote speech from the remarkable Baroness Lola Young, a lifelong social justice advocate and cultural champion.
Hosted by Camden Councillor Sabrina Francis (Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture), the event was a beautiful reminder of Camden’s rich history and enduring commitment to equality.
Baroness Young’s moving talk shared candid reflections on her journey growing up in foster care in 1950s London, the power of reading as a gateway to hope, and her dedication to supporting young people leaving the care system today.
We were also honoured to hear from Her Excellency Rachér Croney, High Commissioner for Grenada, who reflected on Lord Pitt’s impact in medicine and politics.
The panel discussion, featuring Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People & Culture and Geoffrey O. Williams, Chair of Bernie Grant Arts Centre, sparked lively conversations around the importance of equality, diversity, and how we can all drive change today.
The night was filled with inspiration, community pride, and thoughtful conversations - the perfect way to begin our Windrush celebrations.
An Unforgettable Homecoming Celebration
Talacre Town Green came alive on Sunday 22nd June with incredible music, delicious food and a community atmosphere that celebrated Camden’s Caribbean heritage.
From 12pm families and friends set out picnic blankets and chairs, gathering for a free celebration of the borough’s Windrush story.
Team Love Camden were out in full-force to chat with residents, ensure the smooth-running of the event (and also have a great time!)
The Main Stage
The atmosphere was electric with joy and community connection — with the 'Queen of Lovers Rock' Janet Kay headlining, the crowd sung 'Silly Games' at the top of their lungs. Co-curator DJ Matt White spun the classics, joined together with stories of Camden and its Caribbean heritage. Our host Jade Hackett beautifully guided our audience through the day, paying wonderful homage and gratitude to the Windrush generation. Not to mention our amazing line-up including The Skatician Band, Winston Reedy, Sweatergy, The Apex Project, Louchie Lou and Michie One, and DJ Keith Franklin.
Young Camden Talent
We were overjoyed to collaborate with The Apex Project again, platforming emerging local singers and DJs: @a7orasevz, @boosie_dj, & @elijah.kycz.
Plus, Grassroots Arts Studios brought young photography students who captured some incredible photos of the day.
Carnival Crafts, Windrush Marketplace, Art and More
In partnership with BOLO (Black Owned London) there were mouthwatering food stalls including Vibe n Go, Master’s Caribbean, Bakes 'n' Tings and more. As well as a fantastic selection of local, handmade crafts and textiles from Camden’s finest Black artisans and makers.
This multi-generational celebration included everything from an OBE (Our Beloved Elders) Tea Party, hosted by Black British History Hub; Genesis Carnival Arts youth steel pan music, carnival costume activities and workshops, plus sports activities for kids.
Artist Matt Small showcased part of his stunning mural for the Windrush Anniversary Art Commission, and invited attendees to create their own piece of art to be included in his final mural to be installed in late 2025.
Audience Response
We've had an amazing response from our Homecoming audience - over 200 people completed our survey with 82% rating the event FIVE STARS. In our survey we ask everyone “If you could describe this event in one word, what would it be?” The top response has been ‘Community’ which really reflects the Love Camden team’s feeling of the day.
Revisit the vibe of the day with our popular Candy dance video!
Blue Plaque Unveiling for Britain's First Caribbean Carnival
We closed the programme with a heartfelt ceremony in Camden Town Hall’s Claudia Jones room, unveiling a blue plaque commemorating Britain’s first Caribbean carnival, held right here on 30 January 1959.
Claudia Jones and her colleagues at the West Indian Gazette arranged this historic event in reaction to the Notting Hill race riots. With steel bands, calypso tunes, dazzling costumes, dancing, and smiles all around, this was more than a party, it was a powerful act of community, culture, and resistance.
Our brilliant host Linett Kamala guided us through a morning filled with insightful speeches from Cllr Sabrina Francis and Cllr Nadia Shah.
We also heard moving reflections from carnival legend Allyson Williams MBE, alongside Beverley Reviero-Awonaya from the High Commission of Trinidad and Tobago.
Not forgetting our young stars from Camden Music Service Steel Band who provided sweet sounds throughout and Argyle Primary School students who wowed us with their powerful poetry reading outside.
Of course, no Carnival honouring would be complete without a spontaneous dance party in the street.
Once Mayor of Camden Eddie Hanson unveiled the plaque, community representatives broke into this joyous organic moment that truly paid tribute to a legacy that started right here, at the very steps of Camden Town Hall.
This was the perfect way to close our Windrush celebrations, honouring our incredible Windrush pioneers and their lasting impact.
Thank you!
Huge thanks to all the organisations and individuals who are helping to put on our season of events and digital content for Windrush 2025 and to the local community for all your support and input.
Special thanks to:
Crispian Blaize Photography for capturing all events above
Enjoy our online museum and podcasts
But don’t worry, if you missed them, there’s still time to enjoy our podcasts, featuring interviews by BBC 1Xtra's Swarzy, with Windrush descendants, community leaders, activists and experts. Also, you can learn about Black innovators, creatives and artists with our digital collection of art and history showcasing Windrush pioneers at the Camden’s People Museum.