Windrush event to go ahead despite funding issues

An event to celebrate the Windrush generation in Leicester will go ahead with or without government funding, organisers have promised.

The Windrush Tea Party in Leicester is in its fourth year and despite missing out on a share of government's £500,000 Windrush Fund money last year the event went ahead.

Tara Monroe, creative director of organisers Opal22, said a decision was yet to be made on funding for the event on 20 June in Museum Square, off New Walk.

But she added: "We made it last year without the funding."

The high tea is held to honour the legacy of the people who came to the UK from the West Indies.

As well as a British high tea mixed with Caribbean flavours, there will be a visit by Gogglebox stars Sandra and Sandi, live music and dance, children's activities, food vendors, stalls and more.

Monroe said: "There's something for everyone, it's a big family day. You've got music, you've got fun, and the sun's always shined for us.

"It has been years since the Empire Windrush landed in Tilbury Docks, and the people that came here, they came because they were asked to come.

"They were the educated, the well off, and when they got here, they were treated like dogs.

"This is about celebrating the strength and the unity of the Caribbean community, we need to say thank you."

Visitors need to book a place to attend the Caribbean high tea, while stallholders and sponsors are still needed to support the event.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it was in the process of assessing applications from projects for the 2026 round of funding.

A spokesperson said: "The Windrush Generation has been fundamental in creating the Britain we have today – which is why we're funding groups to commemorate, celebrate, and educate people on National Windrush Day.

"We received many brilliant applications for the funding scheme. We will announce this as soon as we can."

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