A SERIES of events to mark Windrush Day will take place this weekend to celebrate Afro-Caribbean culture and show how the Windrush generation contributed to Oxford.

Organised by The Oxford Windrush Group with cultural organisations in the city, interactive events this Saturday will highlight the unique impact African Caribbean communities have had through history to the current day.

The Windrush Generation are those who migrated from the Caribbean to the UK on HMS Empire Windrush in 1948 as a result of Britain's post-war need for labour.

Exhibitions, workshops and performances including short pieces of theatre by Amantha Edmead of Kuumba Nia Arts, and dance and song are set to 'transform' the Ashmolean Museum from 11am this Saturday.

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Oxford Mail:

Junie James, a member of the Oxford Windrush Group, said: “This is a significant moment for families and descendants of the Windrush Generation to come together to share and celebrate our past, from the horrors of the slave trade, which still has an impact on lives today, to the achievements of today’s young people and elders in creating a stronger and more harmonious community.”

Events are taking place at the Ashmolean Museum, accompanying the ‘nice cup of tea?’ installation that re-examines the museum’s collections in relation to the slave trade.

Peace and justice scholar, Professor Horace G. Campbell of Syracuse University in New York will also give an inaugural Windrush Memorial Lecture, entitled ‘Racism, Repressions and Resistance’ at Pitt Rivers Museum at 6.30pm.

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The celebrations are to continue on Sunday with a special service of remembrance at the Christian Life Centre in East Oxford where gospel choir, Black Voices, as well as local gospel choirs will sing.

Oxford Mail:

The High Commissioner of Guyana is also expected to attend the service and an awards ceremony will follow afterwards to recognise the achievements of the Caribbean community.

Some of The Oxford Windrush Group's partners in Oxford include, ACKHI (The African Caribbean Kultural Heritage Initiative), Museum of Oxford, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Arts Consultants, Oxford Cultural Education Partnership and Oxford City Council.

The programme was made possible with a successful grant application from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and from Oxford City Council.

All events are free to attend although some may require booking in advance.

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To book places at the events, go to eventbrite.co.uk.