Wolverhampton organisations awarded Windrush Day funding to celebrate heritage, history and community
Wolverhampton’s Black history, heritage and community stories will be celebrated through a new programme of activities this summer after local organisations secured £23k funding through the Windrush Day Grant Scheme.
A partnership led by Black Heritage Walks Network CIC and Black History & Heritage Wolverhampton is among six projects across the West Midlands to receive funding through the scheme. The funding will support Wolverhampton Windrush Pride 2026, a community-led programme celebrating the contribution and legacy of the Windrush Generation through heritage, education, storytelling and community engagement.
Taking place throughout June and July, the programme will create opportunities for residents of all ages to explore Wolverhampton’s rich Black history through heritage walks, educational activities, genealogy and archive sessions, community storytelling and creative projects.
At the heart of the programme is a commitment to ensuring that local stories are preserved, shared and celebrated.
The Black Heritage Trail will encourage residents and visitors to discover the people, places and experiences that have helped shape Wolverhampton and the wider Black Country. Through storytelling and heritage engagement, the programme aims to create stronger connections between communities, generations and local history.
Young people will play an important role through school engagement activities and a poetry competition exploring themes of heritage, identity, belonging and community. The programme will also provide opportunities for people to explore family histories, contribute lived experiences and help preserve important community stories for future generations.
Windrush Day on 22 June will mark a significant moment within the programme, with the unveiling of the Wolverhampton Windrush Monument. Throughout the wider programme, residents will also have opportunities to explore heritage, share stories, learn from one another and celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation, helping to create a lasting legacy for the city.
Garry Stewart, CEO of Black Heritage Walks Network CIC, said:
“The Black Heritage Trail and wider programme will help bring history to life by connecting people with the stories, places and experiences that have shaped Wolverhampton and the wider Black Country. We hope the programme encourages people of all ages to explore, learn and take pride in our shared heritage.”
And:
Rachel Davis, Project Lead of Black History & Heritage Wolverhampton said:
“Wolverhampton has a rich and diverse history, and the stories of the Windrush Generation form an important part of that story. Windrush Pride 2026 provides an opportunity to celebrate those contributions, share lived experiences and create spaces for learning, reflection and community pride.”
Wolverhampton Windrush Pride 2026 is being delivered through a partnership including Black Heritage Walks Network CIC, Black History & Heritage Wolverhampton, Churches 4 Positive Change, Wolverhampton City Council and Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.
The programme is supported through the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and delivered in partnership with Near Neighbours.
For more information, programme updates and booking details, visit our events pages blackhistoryandheritage.com/events
