ON National Windrush Day today (Wednesday, 22 June), the Tilbury on the Thames Trust in partnership with the Port of Tilbury held a celebration in the London Cruise Terminal to mark the official day where 74 years ago on the 22 June, the port played a significant role for the Windrush generation as their arrival point into the UK from their long voyage on board the SS Empire Windrush.

This year, the Trust celebrated Windrush Day by bringing people by boat down the River Thames to the Port of Tilbury following the unveiling of the new Windrush monument at Waterloo Station. The Thames Clipper boats docked where the MV Empire Windrush came in on 22 June 1948, allowing a generation of people to move through the Cruise Terminal on Tilbury's riverside to start a new life in the UK.

Guests on board the Thames Clipper included the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover and the Bishop in Canterbury; actress Dona Croll; Alford Gardner and John Richards from the Windrush Foundation who were all treated to a lunch with onboard entertainment provided by Pegasus Opera, as guests were transported to The Port of Tilbury.

Paul Dale of Port of Tilbury greeting artist EVEWRIGHT and John Richards, a surviving passenger from the SS Empire Windrush

On arrival a local steel pan band welcomed passengers as they stepped ashore, with Windrush inspired poetry readings, displays, storytelling and artist EVEWRIGHT'S Walkway of Memories to view before they boarded the clippers back for a relaxing for the boat trip back up the river to London.

The group were met by Thurrock Council's Cllr Mark Coxshall and Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director from The Port of Tilbury. Among those welcomed was Windrush passenger John Richards who earlier had attended a ceremony at Waterloo rail station where a 12 foot statue to commemorate the Windrush Generation was unveiled.

The Queen's grandson the Duke of Cambridge led at the ceremony, alongside his wife the Duchess of Cambridge, and also paid tribute to the contributions of the Windrush generation, and their descendants to British life.

"Without you all Britain would simply not be what it is today," he said. "I want to say a profound thank you to every member of that generation and the generations that have followed."

At the Port, Mr Dale commented: "Today was a perfect celebration to mark National Windrush Day. Our historic London Cruise Terminal has played an important part in the community since it was built the 30s and we were pleased to be able to host this wonderful event with Thames Clippers to mark this year's Windrush Day. Tilbury is proud of its connections with the Empire Windrush and we look forward to marking the 75th anniversary next year."

Tilbury on the Thames Trust was awarded funding to host the events and activities today.

Paul Dale greeting the Rt Reverend Rose Hudson-Eilkin CD OBE upon arrival at the Port of Tilbury

Communities Minister, Kemi Badenoch MP said: "The Windrush generation have had - and continue to have - a profound impact on Britain's social, cultural and economic life and their legacy means so much to so many.

"As a first-generation immigrant myself, I understand personally how important it is to highlight how much we welcome and celebrate the contributions made by those who choose to make Britain home. I'm so pleased that our funding of events like The Port of Tilbury and others up and down the country, can help everyone remember the leading role the Windrush generation have played in the making of modern Britain"

In a statement released today, Thurrock BME Group which represents minority ethnic groups in the borough, issued a statement which read: "Thurrock BME honours Afro-Caribbean immigrants who arrived on 22nd June 1948.

In London today a 12 foot high statue was unveiled at Waterloo station to commemorate the Windrush generation.

"It is important to recognise that since the first arrival, more than half a million migrants came to the UK to make a significant and lasting contribution to its infrastructure, economy, and culture.

"The first Windrush Day was held on June 22, 2018.

"Since then, more and more people have started participating in Windrush Day celebrations and observations to show empathy with the hardships that the previous generations of Black Britons endured and the current generations continue to endure.

"It is obvious that Thurrock is becoming more diverse. To this end, Thurrock BME is working with the Police, the Council and local health authorities to ensure that their policies reflect the citizens they represent."