The Warwickshire Cricket Foundation will kick off a month-long Calypso Cricket exhibition with a gathering and lunch on Windrush Day at Edgbaston Stadium next week.
Windrush Day recognises and honours the generation of people who travelled from the Caribbean to the UK in 1948 and who contributed to the UK’s post-war economy. The anniversary takes place on the 22nd of June each year and, this year, it will begin an event at Edgbaston which runs until the end of July.
The exhibition highlights the impact made by legendary West Indian players such as Sir Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards, alongside the vibrant supporters who became cultural icons throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
The exhibit will 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. Their energy, music and pride helped shape the atmosphere of the game and left a lasting cultural legacy.
The event on Windrush Day will feature a celebration lunch for over 100 local community partners, with Caribbean food, storytelling and reflections from members of the Windrush generation about how their experiences have shaped their lives and communities.
The Calypso Cricket project has been 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.
Esther Lau-Mackaay, Warwickshire Cricket Foundation’s Community Engagement Officer, 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.”