Caribbean dreams

Windrush migrants share memories of building a new life in Britain

-  CAREN CLARK, IAN MACEWAN

NEW FACTUAL
Pride of Britain: A Windrush Special
Thursday, 9pm, ITV1

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury in Essex, bringing with it hundreds of West Indians whose dream of building a new life in Britain was about to come true.

Their contributions would leave a lasting impact on the country but, as the powerful documentary Pride of Britain: A Windrush Special recounts, there were huge challenges, with many facing racism, detention and even deportation.

More than 500,000 people arrived between 1948 and 1971, initially to work in the NHS and on the UK’s transport networks. Now, members of this special ‘Windrush generation’ – which will receive a special Pride of Britain award this year – share their memories with Sir Trevor McDonald, Alesha Dixon, Mel B, Judi Love and the Prince of Wales.