Gloucestershire Libraries is hosting a programme of activities to celebrate Windrush Day in the county, thanks to £11,000 of funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Working with community partners, libraries throughout the county are set to host a range of activities including Afro-Caribbean drumming, fabric printing, storytelling and performances from special guest artists, including the Miss Windrush puppet, to bring the stories of the Windrush generation to life and encourage people to connect with this important moment in history.
At the heart of the celebration is a special film, providing a platform for members of the Windrush generation and their families to tell their stories alongside footage from workshops and testimonials from participants on how the project has 'impacted their understanding of the Windrush story'.
The film is being premiered at Bishops Cleeve Library on Windrush Day, Sunday 22 June 2025 — and will be permanently available to view at the immersive space in Oakley, Cheltenham afterwards.
Gloucestershire County Council is one of 30 organisations across the country to receive government funding for Windrush Day activities which 'will focus on bringing communities together to commemorate, celebrate and educate', as well as honouring the contributions people from the Windrush generation have made to our county.
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, said: 'I’m delighted we have received this funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which allows us to bring communities together in celebration of the invaluable contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants.
'Through storytelling, music, art and film, we aim to not only commemorate their legacy but also create opportunities for people to connect, learn and reflect on this vital part of our shared history.'
