Hundreds come together for Windrush celebrations

Hundreds of people gathered to take part in an inaugural festival celebrating the Windrush generation's contribution to Coventry.

The Roots in Motion event included film screenings, public lectures, a flag-raising ceremony, live performances, and a service at Coventry Cathedral.

Events took place across the city from last week, ending with the Arawak Community Trust Windrush Awards ceremony on Monday which honoured those whose services continue to enrich lives.

Windrush Day is officially celebrated in the UK on 22 June, the day in 1948 that the ship bearing the name Windrush arrived in Essex, bringing 500 people from Caribbean nations to begin lives in the UK amid a post-War labour shortage.

Coventry secured £22,500 of Government funding to stage the festival. The city council previously said the event would become a permanent annual fixture.

Councillor John McNicholas said: "The people who made that voyage helped rebuild our city after the devastation of the War, but they did so much more.

"They, their children and grandchildren helped to create the wonderful multicultural city we love today.

"I hope people and communities across the city will join in to learn, reflect, honour and celebrate a moment in history that has brought so much to our city."

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