Coventry has officially launched its first-ever Windrush Festival, a free, five-day cultural celebration dedicated to honoring Caribbean heritage and the profound legacy of the Windrush Generation. Running from Thursday, 18 June to Monday, 22 June 2026, the festival brings together music, art, poetry, storytelling, and civic events across major city center venues.

The festival was made possible by collaborating with the Windrush Community, Septimius Severus Community Action Coventry, the Arawak Community Trust, and Coventry University. It is backed by a £22,500 government grant, arriving at a perfect time to fill the summer calendar following the temporary pausing of the Godiva Festival.

Councillor John McNicholas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion at Coventry City Council, said: “We are delighted to be staging our first ever Windrush Festival and honouring the brave people who travelled across the world to start new lives and build a new future.

“That day, 78 years ago changed the world, and it changed Coventry. We will be forever grateful to the Windrush Generation.

“The people who made that voyage helped rebuild our city after the devastation of the war, but they did so much more. They, their children and grandchildren, helped to create the wonderful multicultural city we love today.

“Without them, we would not be a City of Peace and Reconciliation, a City of Welcome and Friendship, a City of Communities, a City of Languages, a City of Culture, and so much more. Windrush helped to start it all.

“This Festival, which will become an annual fixture in our calendar, is a city-wide act of remembrance, recognition and cultural celebration, and I hope people and communities across the city will join in to learn, reflect, honour and celebrate a moment in history that has brought so much to our city.”

The daily program offers a diverse mix of educational and lively cultural events:

Thursday, 18 June — Film & Conversation: A moving screening of the film Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind. Held at the LBT Showrooms, it includes a live Q&A session with the filmmaker and journalist Nadine White.

Friday, 19 June — Public Lecture: Hosted at the Caribbean Centre, Dr. Martin Glynn will deliver a powerful public talk titled Reggae Theatrics: Dub Poetry, Words, Sound, Power and Resistance. 

Saturday, 20 June — Roots in Motion Festival: A massive, outdoor, one-day street celebration bringing the city center to life. Expect a vibrant showcase of Caribbean food, dance, movement, and authentic sound system culture. 

Sunday, 21 June — Commemorative Service: Taking place at Coventry Cathedral on Father's Day, the Coventry Windrush Service centers around the theme of "Windrush Men," offering a dedicated space for reflection, remembrance, and community celebration. 

Monday, 22 June — Civic Finale & Awards: The final day begins with an official Windrush Flag Raising ceremony at the Council House. It concludes at the Albany Theatre with the Windrush Arawaks Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions made by members of Coventry's Caribbean community. 

More updates on the scheduled activities can be tracked via the Coventry City Council Events Hub or through local cultural schedules on Visit Coventry.