The event marks 74 years since the passenger ship, The Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury docks in 1948.



Aboard the liner were hundreds of people from the Caribbean who had come to make a new life in Britain and help rebuild the country after World War II.



Those aboard became pioneers for people in other countries, part of the British Empire or Commonwealth to come to the UK to help fill vacancies in the labour market. They later became known as the ‘Windrush generation’.

Introduced across the country in 2018, Windrush Day celebrates the diversity people brought with them to the UK and recognises the contribution they made to British society, culture and economy.



Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, said: “The Windrush generation played a huge part in helping to rebuild Britain after the Second World War and the country would not be what it is today without their enormous sacrifices.



“This day marks 74 years to the day since The Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks.



“The contribution made by the people of the Windrush generation, not just in a physical sense, but in a societal sense too, must never be forgotten.



Our borough has over 100 nationalities living here, and it is these people who helped pave the way for a culturally-rich and diverse Barking and Dagenham – and beyond – that we enjoy today.

“We’re proud to be able to fly the flag and proud to celebrate the diversity among the people who live and work in our borough.”



Windrush Day also saw a call for applications from local charities and community organisations to put in applications for the council’s Equality and Diversity Community Fund.



The fund allows organisations to take a greater role in delivering events and creating projects to promote social inclusion, celebrate diversity, and support equality.



The deadline for applicants is 30 June, and organisations can apply here.