18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Newport's Riverfront Theatre hosts Windrush celebration
The free event honoured the Windrush Generation through music, dance, storytelling, and community connection, bringing together people from across the globe in a joyful tribute to heritage and resilience.
The afternoon was packed with live performances, cultural exhibits, Caribbean and Asian cuisine, and interactive workshops.
Local charities such as Newport's AGE ALIVE were also present, highlighting the ongoing contributions of grassroots organisations to the city's diverse communities.
Among VIP guests were two remarkable Windrush elders: Roy Mackpenfield Grant BEM and Vernesta Cyril OBE, whose stories embody perseverance and service.
Roy Grant, a retired Jamaican-born engineer and author, shared his journey from hardship to innovation.
After arriving in the UK, he faced racism and isolation, recalling the voyage as 'horrible, wet, cold and miserable,' worsened by seasickness and unfamiliar conditions.
Yet he rose to become Newport's first Black production manager, pioneering carpet-cutting technology and later writing several books. Titles such as Patchwork Culture explore his experiences and the cultural ties between Jamaica and Wales.
Vernesta Cyril OBE, born in St Lucia, migrated to the UK in 1962 with a dream of becoming a nurse.
She trained at Royal Gwent and St Woolos Hospitals, serving for over 40 years as a midwife, earning the title Midwife of the Year in 2006 and an OBE in 1999 for her work in community relations.
Vernesta recounted her journey with warmth, remembering the excitement of leaving St Lucia and the camaraderie among fellow Caribbeans aboard the ship: 'The worst part was the launch that took us to the ship,' she said, 'because the harbour was too shallow for that big boat.'
Her career touched thousands of lives, and she shared a touching anecdote about actor Michael Sheen, who publicly revealed that Vernesta had delivered him at Royal Gwent Hospital, a surprise to Vernesta.
Just weeks earlier, Vernesta represented the Windrush Generation at the Pride of Britain Awards, where they were honoured with the Outstanding Contribution award for their immeasurable impact on British life.
From 1948 to 1971, over 500,000 Caribbean people came to the UK, bringing with them skills and determination that helped shape Britain's vibrant culture.
As the music played and stories were shared, the Riverfront celebration reminded all in attendance that the Windrush legacy is not just history, it's a living, breathing part of Newport's identity.
