Windrush Tea Party 2023: Celebrating Heritage, Defying Discrimination

0:00Organizers in Lester are pushing forward with their 4th annual Windrush Tea Party, no matter if government funding comes through or not. The event hits museum square off New Walk on June 20th, celebrating the Windrush generation who arrived from the West Indies to help rebuild. Britain after World War II. Last year, they missed out on a slice of the government's 500,000-pound Windrush fund, but the party still popped off strong. Sarah Monroe from Opal 22, the group behind it, says they're ready to make it happen again without that cash if needed. This high tea mixes British classics with Caribbean twists, drawing crowds for live music, dance, kids' activities, food stalls, and even a visit from. Gogglebox stars Sandra and Sandy. It's built as a big family vibe, honoring folks who answered the call to come here but faced rough treatment on arrival. Monroe highlights how these educated pioneers from places like Jamaica were invited to work, yet met discrimination head on.

1:00Now, spots for visitors are booking up fast, while they're still calling for stall holders and sponsors to jump in. The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government is reviewing applications for the 2026 funding round, praising the Windrush. Legacy and promising quick news. Either way, Lester's keeping the spirit alive this summer. I'm Coral with the story, and you've been listening to Lester News today, AI-powered local news.