A flag to celebrate the wide-ranging contributions of the Windrush community to the city has been raised above Preston Town Hall during Monday (June 22) to mark Windrush Day.
The flag, a new design that will also be flown in cities and towns across the UK, celebrates the contribution of Caribbean culture and those who moved to the UK from countries across the Commonwealth.
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Mayor of Preston, Councillor David Borrow, said: “The raising of this flag on Windrush day recognises the struggle endured by the Windrush generation.
“It also marks the vast and continued contribution people from across the Commonwealth have made to Preston and the UK as a whole through music, food, business and their invaluable addition to our NHS and front line services.
“I am proud to be part of raising this flag and saying thank you to everyone who has added to the rich cultural tapestry of our city.”
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The flag was raised at 10am above the door of Preston Town Hall in a ceremony attended by the Mayor, the Leader of Preston City Council, as well as members of Preston Windrush Generation and Descendants UK.
Glenda Andrew, Co-Founder of Preston Windrush Generation and Descendants UK, said: “The Windrush generation came from every corner of the Commonwealth, including the Caribbean, to make a new life in the UK.
“On Windrush day we’re proud to raise this new flag and honour those who came before us, who’ve added so much to this country and to Preston, from music and soul food to business and front line workers who are an integral part of the NHS and our wider community.
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“Raising Windrush flags in locations around the UK, including here in Preston, is monumental and we’re proud to stand on the shoulders of those the Windrush Generation who came and are still here.
“We acknowledge and remember their lives, their struggles and, for some, their wins.”
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