TO mark National Windrush Day 2026, the Tilbury of the Thames Trust (TTT) and the Port of Tilbury are welcoming the local community to the port for hard hat tours of the listed Tilbury Riverside Railway Station which is currently undergoing a multimillion pound restoration by the Trust, part funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, due to reopen for the community later in 2027.

78 years ago on the 22 June 1948, the Port of Tilbury and the historic railway station played a significant role for the Windrush generation as it was the arrival point into the UK after a long voyage on board the Empire Windrush from the Caribbean.

When the vessel docked, a generation of people were able to move through the cruise terminal and railway station on Tilbury's riverside to start their new life in the UK.

On 22 June, local people will take part in hard hat tours of the railway station focussing on Windrush heritage. Volunteers from the Trust will be on hand throughout the tours to share historical information about the arrival of the Empire Windrush and the significance for the local area and the wider history of the UK.

The restoration works will be completed in time to celebrate Windrush80 in 2028.

Alongside the tours, TTT is also delivering a series of workshops with GLC schools, exploring the theme of departure and arrival. The school children have been encouraged to consider what members of the Windrush community may have brought with them when they travelled to the UK, both physically and culturally.

The schools have also been researching members of the Windrush Generation and learning about their achievements and contributions after settling in Britain.

To mark Windrush Day, GLC schools will host an art exhibition at Tilbury Library, showcasing pupils' work inspired by their learning and reflections on the Windrush story.

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Paul Dale, Chair of Tilbury on the Thames Trust and Chief Operating Officer of Forth Ports commented: "The Port of Tilbury played an important role for the Windrush generation when the Empire Windrush arrived in our port in 1948. We are proud to mark Windrush Day each year as we take time to acknowledge the positive impact the Windrush generation played then and now in our local and national culture.

"The current restoration works at the railway station is an exciting project and we look forward to reopening this space for the community to use and enjoy next year and in time for Windrush 80 celebrations."