Celebrate 75 years of Windrush!

Have you listened to the Fun Kids Windrush series’ celebrating the Windrush Generation, The Windrush Story and The Girl and a Suitcase?

Discover the courageous immigrants from the Caribbean who came to Britain to help rebuild after the second world war.

Let’s take a look at 10 ways you can celebrate 75 years since the HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK.

1. Visit the Windrush statue.

In Waterloo Station in London, there is a statue commemorating the Windrush generation.

The statue was unveiled in 2020 at the station where most of the members of the Windrush generation would have caught a train into London after arriving off the boat.

It is a symbol of hope and opportunity for all people, regardless of their background.

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2. Look out for the Windrush coin.

The Royal Mint have created a commemorative coin to celebrate the anniversary.

The 50p coin can be used to buy things like any other coin.

Keep an eye out for it. You may end up with one in your money box!

Learn more about the Royal Mint!

3. Find a Windrush stamp.

The Royal Mail has been issuing special stamps for over 150 years.

This year they have created a stamp to celebrate 75 years since Windrush.

Keep an eye out for the new stamp!

Hear the brand new series, The Girl and a Suitcase, here!

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4. Make your own carnival mask.

The Windrush generation brought lots of Caribbean culture to the UK.

One of the most dazzling celebrations of Caribbean culture in Britain happens every August Bank Holiday – it’s the Notting Hill Carnival.

The party really gets started with a parade called J’ouvert where those taking part wear flamboyant costumes and colourful paint to walk, dance and sing through the streets.

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5. Get dancing!

Many of the dances that are popular in Britain today, such as ska, reggae, and calypso, can trace their roots back to the Caribbean.

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6. Listen to some Caribbean music!

As well as carnivals, there’s a thriving music scene from the Caribbean that reaches to every corner of the globe – including Grammy Winning artists like Sean Paul and Rihanna.

Even when artists aren’t from the Caribbean they may have been influenced by Caribbean music.

Artists including Shawn Mendes, Drake and Fifth Harmony have all used Caribbean sounds in their music.

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7. Make some Caribbean food.

Food from the Caribbean is a fusion of cuisines from a wide range of places. There’s influences from Africa, America, Europe, India and Asia.

Each island has its favourite flavours and traditions with the food they enjoy – just like Britain has Yorkshire Puddings and Cornish Pasties.

Learn more about Caribbean food!

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8. Make your own memory box.

Just like in The Girl and a Suitcase, you can make your own memory box:

1. Choose a box. You can use a cardboard box, a wooden box, or even a shoebox. If you are using a cardboard box, you may want to cover it with paper so it is easier to decorate.

2. Decorate the box. Get your best pens, paints, stickers and anything else you can think of to decorate your box. Make sure your decorations mean something to you!

3. Fill the box with memories. Fill the box with anything that reminds you of happy memories. This could include photos, letters, drawings, or anything else that is special to you.

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