The 75th anniversary of Windrush will be celebrated with a special exhibition in Huddersfield town centre.
Kirklees Local TV, in partnership with Kirklees Council, the council’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Employee Network, and local community organisations, will host ‘Paraffinalia’ in the Piazza Centre.
Funding has been granted through the Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2023 by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities.
The exhibition will open to the public from 12noon on Saturday June 3 and run every Wednesday to Saturday, 11am until 4pm, until Friday June 30. The display will be held at Unit 42-44, The Piazza, the former Poundworld store.
The Windrush generation refers to the Caribbean pioneers who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971, contributing significantly to British society in various fields.
‘Paraffinalia’ illustrates the history, aspirations and contributions of the UK’s local and national Windrush generations. The exhibition will incorporate a wide range of artistic mediums, such as art, displays, literature, textiles and multi-media installations, in one single space.
Visitors can expect an immersive experience as they stroll through the carefully curated displays, with 10 distinct zones representing different aspects of the Windrush story.
Guests will have the opportunity to witness a variety of immersive elements, including food tasting, live DJ sets, children’s activities, domino tables and a dedicated media zone showcasing documentary footage. The exhibition aims to encourage public engagement and interaction with the topic while celebrating the diverse communities in Kirklees.
Dr Milton Brown, chief executive officer at Kirklees Local TV, said: “The 75th anniversary of the Windrush marks an essential milestone in the history of the Caribbean community in the United Kingdom. The arrival of the Windrush generation in 1948 was a momentous event that profoundly impacted British society.
“Over the past 75 years, the Windrush generation and their descendants have significantly contributed to British culture, economy and society at large.
“From music, sports and politics to community activism, faith, culture and academia, the Windrush generation has left an indelible mark on Britain’s sociopolitical, economic and cultural history.
“Pariffinalia 75 is a celebration of the Windrush generation and their descendants, and an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of resilience, perseverance and achievements of the Windrush generation.
“It is also an opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the challenges and injustices faced by the early pioneers and celebrate their desire to fight and continue to make giant strides for their social, economic, and cultural freedom.
“We must embrace this occasion to reflect on the past, understand where we are in the present, rededicate ourselves to creating a brighter future for the current and future generations, and continue to contribute to building a more just, equitable and inclusive society for all.”
Clr Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “This exhibition is a testament to the resilience, creativity and accomplishments of the Windrush generations. We’re excited to provide a platform for local organisations, artists and community activists to come together and celebrate the rich history of our diverse community.”
