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This year marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush arriving in Britain, bringing 1027 Caribbean people to a new life in the UK. The passengers included mechanics, carpenters and tailors, musicians and even piano repairers. There were also women passengers. Even a of couple stowaways!

Their arrival kickstarted the era of multiculturalism in this nation. To mark this milestone in history local organisations Somerset African Caribbean network and Somerset Film are organising a special film screening in the Studio theatre at Taunton Brewhouse on November 24th. They hope it will spark a wider conversation about the past, present and future of our multi-ethnic society and celebrate those who came to live and work here. The event starts at 7pm, tickets are £5 (£3.75 for members of Equity,  Writers Guild and the Musicians Union) plus booking fee.

The evening’s screening programme will focus on archive film and includes ‘A Man from the Sun’. Originally broadcast in 1956, this ground-breaking docudrama explores the experiences of the then 75,000 West Indians who had newly settled in Britain, and the disparity they found between the mythical country and the real one. Directed by John Elliot, it stars Errol John and Cy Grant and includes music from calypso guitarist Fitzroy Coleman. A Q&A will then follow the screening.

Susann Savidge, Chair of the Somerset African Caribbean Network, said ” It is a momentous occasion for people in the UK to be able to celebrate the Windrush 75th anniversary. What a joyous and proud opportunity to honor the Windrush Generation their achievements, their decedents and their legacy”

Deb Richardson, Creative Director at Somerset Film said “We’re delighted to be able to support this event and are grateful to Taunton Brewhouse for their support and use of the venue. Thanks to the BFI National Film and TV archive we will also be showing a wonderful short film from 1944, featuring Una Marson, a Jamaican activist, writer and feminist, who was the first black woman to be employed by the BBC. We have a photograph of her displayed in our sound recording booth at the Engine Room so this is a great opportunity to profile her pioneering work in broadcasting.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased online at https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/a-man-from-the-sun/  or call 01823 283244.