COMMUNITY events are being held across Thurrock to celebrate Windrush Day – which is dedicated to recognising the contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.

On the 73rd anniversary, which was Tuesday, a pre-recorded video from Deb Huelin, councillor for communities, was shared on the council’s social media channels to mark Windrush Day.

Zedgeneration CIC and Thurrock BME organised an event with a tribute recreating the arrival of the Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury on Tuesday.

There was also a celebration at the Worlds End Pub, Tilbury.

Meanwhile, the Tilbury Bridge Walkway of Memories, an immersive visual art experience installed on 432 panes of glass collaged with photographs, documents, original boat passenger tickets and memorabilia, opens to the public at the Port of Tilbury on Sunday.

It was commissioned by Creative Estuary.

This is a consortium of public sector and cultural organisations, including Thurrock Council, which aims to turn the Thames Estuary into one of the most exciting cultural hubs in the world.

As part of the Essex Book Festival, author Louise Hare will talk about her debut novel This Lovely City, set around Brixton’s Windrush community in London in the aftermath of the Second World War, on August 4, at Grays Library from 7pm.

Deb Huelin said: “I’m delighted that once again events and celebrations will be held in Thurrock to mark Windrush Day, which could not be held last year due to coronavirus restrictions.

“The Windrush story is an important part of Thurrock’s history and our motto ‘By Thames to all the Peoples of the World’ acknowledges this heritage and our commitment as a council to recognise everyone in our diverse communities.

“We are grateful for the wide ranging contribution that the Windrush Generation has made to British culture today.

“And we will continue to address the issues, including racism and discrimination, which many of those who stepped off the Empire Windrush in 1948 have experienced and still do today.”