Coventry to Host First Ever Free Windrush Festival

Coventry is set to mark a significant milestone in its cultural calendar with the city’s first-ever Windrush Festival. Running from June 18 to June 22, 2026, this five-day programme invites residents to explore the history, contributions, and lasting legacy of the Windrush Generation through a series of free public events.

Developed by Coventry City Council in collaboration with the Windrush Community, Septimius Severus Community Action Coventry, Arawak Community Trust, and Coventry University, the festival commemorates the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948. The festival is open to all ages and serves as a tribute to those who traveled to the UK to rebuild the country following the Second World War.

Event Schedule and Locations

The festival programme spans several iconic city venues, offering a mix of film, academic discussion, and community celebration. Entrance to all events is free of charge.

Cultural Legacy and the New Archive

A central pillar of the festival is the launch of the Windrush Cultural Archive. This permanent collection will be housed at Coventry University and will be open to the public, preserving personal stories, photographs, and records of families who traveled to the UK. By creating this digital archive, the organizers aim to ensure that the contributions of the Windrush Generation are embedded into the city’s cultural life for future generations.

Councillor John McNicholas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, noted that the festival serves as both an act of remembrance and a celebration of the multicultural identity that defines modern Coventry. The events are specifically designed to foster pride and encourage younger people to engage with their local history, with the hope that the festival will become an annual fixture in the city.

Practical Information for Attendees

The festival takes place across various locations in the city centre and beyond. As all events are free, residents are encouraged to attend the commemorative service at the Cathedral and the outdoor festivities on June 20, which will feature music, dance, and sound system culture. The final day of the festival, June 22, coincides with the national Windrush Day, closing with the civic flag-raising ceremony at the Council House. Attendees should note that while the events are free, they are spread across multiple venues, so it is recommended to plan travel between the city centre and the specific venues like the Albany Theatre and Caribbean Centre accordingly.

Source: Coventry City Council