Come What May: Toe-tapping Windrush celebration kicks off community gathering

Dancing at the Windrush event at Ascension Church

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Our Come What May community gathering began with a bang on Thursday 18 May with a lively Windrush event. PANdemonium, a lively steel pan performance from pupils from Trinity High School, started the celebrations. 

The steel pan group from Trinity High School performs at the Windrush event

Credit: Rachel Bywater

The choir from Trinity High School performs at the Windrush event

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Elizabeth at the Windrush event

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Members of the African Caribbean Care Group, the  Aquarius Centre, Limelight older people’s centre and others had been invited to Ascension Church for the festivities.

After the performance some stayed to celebrate the Patronal Festival Eucharist, with the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, presiding and speaking about the Church Commissioner acknowledgment scheme of grants for the descendants of the enslaved. Music was provided by the Liverpool Jazz Collective, Bric and Brac, and members of the congregation sang and danced along to hymns such as Amazing Grace and This Little Light of Mine. 

Bric a Brac play during the Windrush event

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Bishop David Walker speaks at the Patronal Festival at Ascension Church

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Father Azariah at the Patronal Festival

Credit: Rachel Bywater

It was then time for lunch and the afternoon entertainment. Curried goat, plantain, and delicious vegan options, amongst other Caribbean delights were enjoyed by the appreciative group. People commented on the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Guests were then treated to a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush which honoured the stories, histories and heritages of those who came over to Britain during that time. A one woman show with Elva Joseph plus a spoken word poetry set by Shirley May topped off the afternoon. But the finale came when resident of the Limelight centre for older people, John, got up during the Open Mic section and sang ‘You’ll never walk alone.’ He brought the house down and demonstrated the power of togetherness, leaving us all with that powerful message of hope. 

John sings during the Windrush event

Credit: Rachel Bywater

Elva performs during the Windrush event

Credit: Rachel Bywater