Brixton Village celebrates Windrush Day with a cultural programme made in partnership with the Brixton Project
The programme involves an exhibition inspired by photographer Harry Jacobs, live music and a lunch to reunite Windrush community elders at south London’s Lost in Brixton.
Today marks the fourth national Windrush Day and 73 years since the SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks. In celebration, Brixton Village – a market located in the centre of Brixton, south London – has launched a programme of cultural events made in partnership with community-focused arts organisation, The Brixton Project.
With just a small number of elders remaining from the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948, Brixton Village and The Brixton Project decided to help Windrush community elders reunite through a planned celebration lunch at Lost in Brixton. A welcomed event considering what’s been a particularly difficult year of loss and loneliness throughout the pandemic.
Kicking off the programme today is The Portrait Parlour, an interactive installation inspired by the work of photographer Harry Jacobs – a renowned photographer who worked out of his studio in south London during the late 50s. The installation, running until 28 June, will reimagine the artist’s most iconic portraits from the 60s and 70s, during which he recorded thousands of people, friends and major life events, placed in front of his signature backdrops.
Additionally, Brixton-based Pegasus Opera Company has created an original musical piece inspired by the journey and arrival of the Empire Windrush, composed by Des Oliver and launching in partnership with Black Apron film company. The song will be played at 10.27 am on 22 June on Colourful Radio.
“It is vital for residents and businesses throughout our community to be reminded of the historical significance of the Empire Windrush to Brixton; to solidify our support, recognition and appreciation,” says Binki Taylor from The Brixton Project in an announcement. “This year’s celebrations will be bigger and bolder, with an exciting array of events.”
Diana Nabagereka, general manager of Brixton Village, says: “In celebration of Windrush Day, we have a cultural programme that we are truly proud of. Partnering with The Brixton Project and Pegasus Opera Company – who are both working with Lambeth Council to deliver a programme commemorating the Windrush Generation – we will be joining forces to champion a day that holds immense importance across south London. We hope to create something special to celebrate our community and the wonderful people that have made Brixton what it is today.”
A live music programme in Brixton Village Courtyard will run from Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 June, hosted by Brixton Village Lates and bringing a mix of live music and DJ performances.
The Portrait Parlour is on view at Unit 11 Market Row with free entry until Monday 28 June.
GalleryImage from Lambeth Archives collection of Harry Jacobs photographs. The individual copyrights rest with the persons who commissioned each photograph. We have been unable to locate most holders to seek permission for use, but would be very pleased to hear from anyone who is a copyright holder, or can identify individuals in the photograph. Please contact Lambeth Archives if you know who these are.
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Image from Lambeth Archives collection of Harry Jacobs photographs. The individual copyrights rest with the persons who commissioned each photograph. We have been unable to locate most holders to seek permission for use, but would be very pleased to hear from anyone who is a copyright holder, or can identify individuals in the photograph. Please contact Lambeth Archives if you know who these are.
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Ayla is a London-based freelance writer, editor and consultant specialising in art, photography, design and culture. After joining It’s Nice That in 2017 as editorial assistant, she was interim online editor in 2022/2023 and continues to work with us on a freelance basis. She has written for i-D, Dazed, AnOther, WePresent, Port, Elephant and more, and she is also the managing editor of design magazine Anima.