TO mark National Windrush Day 2025 (Sunday, 22 June), the Port of Tilbury has today (Friday, 20 June) released a commissioned film which takes a retrospective look at celebratory events hosted by the port, the Tilbury on the Thames Trust, and the local community and the legacy they have helped to create.

77 years ago on the 22 June 1948, the port played a significant role for the Windrush generation as it was their first arrival point into the UK after a long voyage on board the Empire Windrush from the Caribbean.

When she docked, a generation of people were able to move through the Cruise Terminal on Tilbury's riverside to start their new life in the UK.

Featuring contributions from Paul Dale, Chair of the Tilbury of the Thames Trust and Lucy Emma Harris, Community Liaison Manager for Forth Ports, the film celebrates the success of securing National Lottery Heritage funding to allow the historic railway station, which many Windrush people used on route to London and beyond, to be regenerated to a community space.

Using archive footage of previous events and historical moments, the film also looks ahead to Windrush 80 when the railway transformation works will be complete.

You can watch the film here:

Paul Dale, Chair of Tilbury on the Thames Trust and Chief Operating Officer of Forth Ports commented: "We are proud of the part the Port of Tilbury played when the Empire Windrush arrived in our port in 1948. It is important for us all to remember the positive impact the Windrush generation played then and now in our local and national culture.

"We have traditionally held celebrations here in the port and although we cannot host an event this year, we are excited about the railway station refurbishment project and we look forward to the completion of this in time for the Windrush 80th anniversary celebrations in 2028."

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