THIS YEAR marks the 75th anniversary of the Windrush migration from the Caribbean to the UK, and celebrations are being organised in various settings to commemorate this historic moment.
National Windrush Museum (NWM) are a not-for profit organisation dedicated to researching, exhibiting, and preserving the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Windrush generation, their antecedents and successors.

The Empire Windrush migration took place in 1948 and has been significant to UK and Caribbean history. Despite that fact, the significance of this UK-Caribbean event and contributions of Caribbean migrants to Britain’s economy, culture, and infrastructure have yet to be appropriately documented and recognised as part of British history.

The NWM aims to change that by presenting a more cohesive picture of the Windrush legacy and its impact on British society. The museum is seeking to have a physical building and an online platform, giving a comprehensive view of the Windrush legacy and its impact.

The Rush Theatre Company mission is bringing to you an educational interactive journey through visual arts and music from across the world.

Their objectives include promoting new writing and plays throughout the community, offering training opportunities, scholarships and providing a wider knowledge and understanding of the positive enriching aspects of a multi-cultural society.

As part of our fund-raising activities and to celebrate “Windrush 75”, NWM in association with Rush Theatre Company are showcasing the show “A Joyous Jamaican Journey” at the Hackney Empire Theatre on Friday 23rd June 2023.

The show highlights that, in June 1948, the SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks with the first influx of the Windrush Generation.

Fast forward to 2023 and experience this incredible narrated musical as we tell their story, and how the music they brought with them went on to take the world by storm.

Featuring ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and reggae played live by the phenomenal JA Reggae Band.

Get ready to enjoy the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Millie Small and many more.
John Simmitt writer/narrator of the show and former Teletubbie said “Rush is a party and a history lesson. We take the audience from Christopher Colombus to Priti Patel in just two and a half hours.

It’s a love letter to the Windrush generation and their children”.

The show has been “sold out” across all UK theatres continuously since 2019 and has been a big hit both with audiences and critics where people have come out to see the show on more than one occasion.

Trevor Walters, Event Director of the NWM said “The show takes you on a journey through time in terms of history and music. The show captures an essence of a journey that can resonate with us as a people”.

According to Dr Les Johnson, Chair and founder of NWM, “This is a high-octane celebration of British culture that spotlights the special part that Reggae has played.

It is a musical journey highlighting the struggles, resilience, and successes of people who used their innovation to traverse hardships and forge new vernaculars, changing British history for the better.

It’s such a brilliant show; I’d be surprised if anyone stayed in their seats. Unmissable.”

To book your tickets for “A Joyous Jamaican Journey visit: www.hackneyempire.co.uk

For information about the National Windrush Museum visit: www.nationalwindrushmuseum.com
For information about the Rush Theatre Company visit: www.rushtheatrecompany.co.uk