Coventry City Council presents a five-day Windrush Festival celebrating the courage, creativity and contribution of the city's Caribbean community through music, art, storytelling and a lasting digital archive — all events are free!

Windrush Festival 2026 | Celebrating Coventry's Caribbean Community

• Dates: Thursday 18th–Monday 22nd June 2026
• Price: All events free to attend
• Website: coventry.gov.uk/windrushfestival

Coventry has a large Caribbean community whose families came to England on HMS Empire Windrush in 1948 to help rebuild the country following the Second World War. Windrush Day is celebrated across the UK on 22nd June each year, and this five-day festival marks the occasion with a programme of events recognising its legacy in our city.

Festival Programme

Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind
Thursday 18th June | 6pm–9pm | The LTB Showrooms, Priory Visitor Centre, CV1 5EX
A moving screening of the film followed by a special Q&A with filmmaker and journalist Nadine White, exploring the untold emotional realities of separation, migration and identity experienced by the children and families of the Windrush Generation. No booking required.

Reggae Theatrics: Dub Poetry, Words, Sound, Power and Resistance
Friday 19th June | 6pm–9pm | Caribbean Centre, Spon Street, CV1 3BB
A public talk and live performance from Dr Martin Glynn exploring how dub poetry, spoken word and reggae have been used to challenge injustice, inspire communities and celebrate Caribbean culture.

Roots in Motion
Saturday 20th June | 1pm–6pm | Broadgate, Lady Godiva Statue, Coventry city centre
A vibrant outdoor community celebration of Caribbean culture with live music, dance, sound system culture and family-friendly activities — filling the city centre with the sounds and feel-good vibes of the Caribbean.

Windrush Service
Sunday 21st June | 3pm–6pm | Coventry Cathedral, Priory Street, CV1 5AB
A special commemorative service on Father's Day, delivered by the Septimus Severus Action Group Coventry, honouring the Windrush Men — the fathers, pioneers and community builders whose strength and sacrifice helped shape modern Britain.

Windrush Flag Raising and Community Honours
Monday 22nd June | 11am–12pm | Council House, Earl Street, CV1 5RR
A civic flag-raising ceremony and reception at Coventry Council House, delivered by the Septimus Severus Action Group Coventry, recognising the continued importance of Windrush heritage within the city's cultural life.

Windrush Awards by Arawak Community Trust
Monday 22nd June | 6pm–9pm | Albany Theatre, Albany Road, Coventry, CV5 6JQ
An awards ceremony delivered by the Arawak Community Trust, honouring outstanding contributions from members of Coventry's Caribbean community whose work, leadership and service continue to enrich the city.

Find out more about the Windrush Festival 2026 on the Coventry City Council website.