The Windrush Arrival
The Windrush Arrival

In May 2026, Age Exchange began Journey and Arrival, a major heritage programme honouring and celebrating the lives of the Windrush Generation. Over the past three months, we have worked across the boroughs of South London, filming interviews with the remarkable individuals who travelled from the Caribbean to the UK between 1948 and the 1960s to help rebuild the country after the Second World War.

Alongside the interview programme, we explored the story of the Windrush Generation through dance and music, working with our two unique dance companies for people living with dementia. The powerful personal histories shared, combined with the expressive performances inspired by these stories, have been brought together into a unique and moving film.
Age Exchange is proud to release this film on 7 August 2026, created to support learning and understanding of the Windrush Generation for people of all ages.
We invite you to watch and share the film widely

Project Background

The Windrush Journey & Arrival 2026 has included: 

  • Co‑devised dance workshops — Creative sessions blending movement, memory and storytelling. 
  • Filmed screenings on Windrush Day (22 June) — Our first short film about the project and the people we had met and worked with premiered on this important day.
  • Film and Film projection (7th August) — The release of our 1-hour film combining the interviews with elders from across the Caribbean community with film from our dance performances exploring the subject and memories shared. The film is available to schools, care settings, museums and galleries to use for free.

Thank you for supporting this important work and helping us honour the legacy of the Windrush Generation.
Age Exchange, Blackheath

To host a screening of the film: hello@age-exchange.org.uk  020 8318 9105

We would be grateful if you could complete our anonymous feedback form.

Project Feedback
“This project has truly made my day. I feel like a vessel, able to share my story and leave a legacy for my children and their children. It’s been a joy to speak about my life and to know those memories will live on.“
Michael Williams Interviewee
“For me, being part of this project is about honouring the Windrush legacy while our elders are still here to share their stories in their own voices. It’s about recognising their contribution, celebrating their creativity, and ensuring future generations understand the journey that shaped our community. I’m proud of my Jamaican heritage, and proud to be part of a project that gives space and respect to the people who lived this history.”   
Yvonne Elliot Project Director
“It was a very beautiful and memorable day celebrating achievements of our community and more. I was very moved by everyone’s commitment,  dedication, despite the nerves, we managed to do so well. I am so grateful for what everyone has given in creative process when working on this piece. It was a challenge to create something whole as a group and finding ways of enabling participants to inhabit the piece, valuing everyone’s contribution and level of engagement.
I hope we managed to create moving and inspiring story and pass the message across the awesome space of St John’s Waterloo”. 
Justyna Sochaj Dance Director of Age Exchange’s dance company for people living with dementia
“I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you (Age Exchange) for today and for allowing me to share my Mum’s and my Auntie Vi’s story.
I really appreciated the care, warmth and respect you showed throughout the interview. You made me feel completely at ease….I also loved that you allowed me to reflect on my own childhood and teenage years, and how my Mum’s faith, music, food, community and values shaped the person I am today. It reminded me just how much of her lives on through those memories”.
Janet ClarkeInterviewee

Further Resources:

National Windrush Museum

Black Cultural Archives

The Story of Windrush | English Heritage