Waltham Forest council is currently planning a series of exciting events and activities in celebration of Windrush 2023 in partnership with over 30 local partners and community organisations. 

The 22 June 2023 marks 75 years since the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and we want to honour and celebrate the Windrush generation and the contributions of the Afro-Caribbean community in the UK and Waltham Forest. 

Below you will find a list of the activities that schools can sign up for to take part in the Windrush Celebrations. 

To book your place please complete this Expression of Interest Form by Wednesday 10 May 2023.

Activities for schools to sign up

Windrush 75 Pieces exhibition

To mark Windrush 2023 we are asking schools across the borough to create Windrush themed art pieces that will be collected to create a 75 Pieces Exhibition. The art pieces will be unveiled at the Windrush Day flag raising ceremony on the 22 June and feature in the West Indian Front Room Exhibition at the Windrush Day festival on Saturday 24 June. 

View the briefing pack that summarises the list of Windrush themed art pieces for the 75 pieces exhibition that we are looking to receive from schools.

Windrush Freedom Walks with Peter Ashan

Dates, times and locations

• Friday, 9 June, 2-3:30pm – Chingford (Meeting Point: St Peter and St Paul Church Chingford The Green Walk)
• Friday, 23 June, 2-3:30pm – Leytonstone (meeting point: St John the Baptist Church Church Lane)

Audience: Secondary Schools, up to 30 pupils per tour.

Activity description:

Peter Ashan will lead freedom walks for schools, looking into the Afro-Caribbean community within Waltham Forest, presenting alternate stories than those we often hear about in connection with the development of the borough from centuries past to the present day.

Biography Peter Ashan

Peter Ashan educator grew up in Leyton in the 1970's and 80's his parents migrated to London from Barbados in the early 1960’s.

His Freedom Walks and book began in 2007, aiming to reveal the hidden story of Waltham Forest's multi-ethnic, multi-faith community.

send invite in general communications but also targeted to 4/5 secondary schools in Walthamstow and 3 / 4 secondary schools in Leyton.

There are limited places available in each activity, on a first come, first served basis. 

Windrush Anchor Art Installation - Windrush 75: Passing the Baton

Friday, 23 June, Waltham Forest Town Hall foyer

Audience: Secondary schools

Up to 30 students per visit 

Book your place in the following options of slots:

• 10:00 – 10:30
• 11:00 – 11:30
• 12:00 – 12:30
• 13:30 – 13:00
• 14:30 – 15:00

Life-sized cardboard replica of HMT Empire Windrush Anchor representing "Hope, Strength and Belonging“ to Waltham Forest for the National Windrush 75th Anniversary events programme. Anchor was created by artist Laura X Carle; promoted by Trodition in association with Sojourner Enterprises.

Other ways your school can be involved in Windrush Celebrations

The Council is really keen to capture any Windrush events and activities schools are planning and promote these through council communication channels. If you would like to share any events and activities you are planning please complete this Expression of Interest Form by Wednesday 10 May 2023, to allow this to be added to the Windrush programme.

For more information or if you have any questions please contact connectingcommunities@walthamforest.gov.uk