Warwickshire Cricket Foundation are recognising the contribution of the Windrush generation with a special exhibition at Edgbaston Stadium.
Launching on Windrush Day – Monday 22 June – the exhibition highlights the impact of legendary West Indian players such as Clive Lloyd and Sir Viv Richards, alongside the vibrant supporters who became cultural icons throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
It will also explore the unique role of West Indian cricket fans during this golden era, when they regularly outnumbered England supporters at Test matches across the country, including at Edgbaston.
Windrush commemorates and honours the contribution of migrants to the post-war economy, while the energy, music and pride brought by the African-Caribbean community to cricket helped to shape the atmosphere of the game, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
Alongside the exhibition, which will run until the end of August, Windrush Day at Edgbaston will also feature a celebration lunch for over 100 members of the community, and will include Caribbean food, storytelling and reflections from members of the Windrush generation about how their experiences have shaped their lives and communities.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive Officer and Warwickshire Cricket Foundation Trustee, Stuart Cain, said: “Marking Windrush Day is vital in recognising the lasting contributions of Caribbean communities to life in the UK. The success and visibility of West Indian cricket — both on the field and in the stands — created a powerful sense of pride and belonging for many people who had made the UK their home.
“This project celebrates that legacy, ensuring those stories continue to inspire future generations.”
The Windrush exhibition is part of the Foundation’s ongoing work in the community, with the Calypso Cricket project supported by research from Brian Halford and generous funding from Near Neighbours, who bring people from ethnically diverse backgrounds together to build relationships and improve their local communities.
For fans attending Edgbaston Stadium from Monday 22 June to the end of August, the exhibition can be viewed on the main concourse by Store ’94, with a QR code also available to scan if you want to find out more information.