LONDON — Windrush 75, the national network set up to bring organisations together to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Windrush arrival on UK shores, has picked new agency Pepshop to run a supporting comms campaign.

The campaign marks the 75th anniversary of HMT Windrush's arrival at Tilbury Docks in Essex on 22 June 1948, bringing 1,000 passengers from the Caribbean. Working with charity British Future — experts on integration, immigration, race and identity — the initiative will also help explain why Windrush 75 matters in the context of modern Britain.

The campaign comes five years after the 'Windrush Scandal' began, which involved hundreds of people being wrongly detained, denied legal rights, and wrongly deported from the UK. Many of those affected were born as British subjects and arrived in the UK before 1973, particularly from Caribbean countries, as members of the 'Windrush generation'.

The network is supported by names from sport, culture, politics, faith and business, including actor Lenny Henry, politician David Lammy MP, historian David Olusoga and Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover. Activities include events at Tilbury docks, commerorative stamps and coins, and a special programme at the V&A.

Pepshop was set up late last year by ex-Metro editor Kenny Campbell and agency veteran Howard Bowden. The consultancy will support Windrush 75 with comms strategy and tactical media execution either side of the June anniversary.

"Windrush is one of this country’s most important stories since World War Two, playing a vital and powerful role over seven and a half decades to help create modern Britain," said Bowden. "The 75th anniversary year offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen public conversation about Britain’s past, present and future."

The Pepshop team reports to Steve Ballinger, director of communications for British Future, who added: "The Windrush story is one that everyone should know, as it helped shape the diverse society we all share today. It’s something everyone can get behind, from the biggest brands and institutions to families and community groups."

Photo credit: TopFoto