Windrush 2026 at Brixton House celebrates diaspora voices from elder generations to Irish mixed heritage communities

Running from 1^st –28^th June 2026, the South London cultural hub will present a vibrant season of events exploring migration, heritage, belonging and intergenerational storytelling.

This year’s programme places a particular focus on diasporic and generational voices within the Windrush story, celebrating the diversity of experiences across African-Caribbean, Irish and mixed-heritage communities.

June 1st marks the opening of The Futurist exhibition at Brixton House. Curated by multidisciplinary artist, creative director, and performer Danny Bailey, this exhibition tells the stories of the Good Neighbours – a thriving community of elder African Caribbean people.

With many members in their 80s and 90s (and the eldest 103), not only is this a legacy piece for future generations, it’s also a live archive representative of the diverse and complex facets of British history. It’s important that these cultural memories are amplified, remembered, and recorded.

On the 12^th of June The Really Irish? House Party will take place at Brixton House, hosted by bestselling author and broadcaster Emma Dabiri and produced by Wake The Beast.

Described as a cultural exchange exploring migration, identity and belonging, this event will create space for people sharing lived experience of being raised in mixed-heritage Irish households. The evening includes DJs and an extract from a new play by the playwright and director Robert Furey.

Adam McGuigan, Artistic Director at Wake The Beast:

“The Really Irish? House Party is about opening up the idea of Irishness and celebrating the richness, complexity and humour of modern identity.

 

Through music, storytelling and conversation, we want to create a space where people, particularly those from mixed heritage, diaspora and underrepresented backgrounds, can feel seen, heard and part of the story.

 

At a time when conversations around belonging feel more important than ever, this event is an invitation to come together, share experiences and celebrate the many ways of being Irish.”

On Tuesday 16th June at 7.30pm, Brixton House will host a rehearsed reading of Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott’s Pantomime, directed by Emily Aboud.

Emily Aboud, Director:

“Walcott is perhaps the most lauded of Caribbean writers and personally, one of my favourite playwrights. Pantomime is a blisteringly sharp comedy set in Tobago Hotel.

 

In an effort to get more tourists visiting, the White British owner (and failed actor) Harry Trewe enlists the help of his Black handyman (a former Calypsonian), Jackson Phillip to stage a pantomime production of Robinson Crusoe, with Harry playing Crusoe and Jackson, his enslaved servant, Friday.

 

Jackson declines, aware of the power dynamic between boss and handyman, as well as the racial dynamics between the two of them in a recently independent post-colonial island. Jackson only agrees to the pantomime if they swap roles.

 

It’s a piece that flits between violence, comedy and razor-sharp commentary of the complexities of the dynamics between oppressor and oppressed. There’s also a talking parrot. It’s fantastic. I’ve yet to come across a play that so comically and distinctly deals with these complex topics, specifically from the perspective of the Caribbean person.” 

The programme

The Futurist Exhibition 
Monday 1st June – Sunday 28th June 
Curated by Danny Bailey in collaboration with Brixton House Good Neighbours, a lively and vibrant weekly gathering of African and Caribbean elders, The Futurists exhibition seeks to honour their lived experiences, memories and cultural contributions.

The Really Irish? House Party
Friday 12th June
The Really Irish? House Party is a curated sharing of lived experiences from those raised in mixed-heritage Irish households — part gig, part cultural exchange, the evening brings together live music, spoken word and conversation exploring migration, identity and belonging. At the heart of the night is a special collaboration between South African and Irish musicians, celebrating the deep sonic connections between the two cultures, with a DJ set to close the night moving the space from reflection to celebration.

Created for diasporic communities, blended identities and anyone curious about the evolving story of Irishness. Expect the warmth, storytelling and electric energy of a great Irish house gathering in the heart of Brixton.

Supported by the Irish Government through the Emigrant Support Programme.

Come Mek We Larf – Windrush Comedy Special
Saturday 13th June
A night of entertainment featuring the best in African-Caribbean comedy, Come Mek We Larf features three of the UK’s heavyweight comedians ‘The Don Dadda’ Curtis Walker (The Real McCoy), ‘The Queeny’ Felicity Ethnic, ‘Mr Dancehall of Comedy’ Shabba Kariem and ‘The Sassy One’ Kayleigh Lewis, plus special guests. Hosting the evening will be ‘The Cool, Charming & Conscious’ Mr Cee.

A guaranteed night of cultural hilarity and splendid humour, there’s no better way to celebrate this year’s Windrush, than with some of our finest in Black Comedy from the UK.

Pantomime – A Rehearsed Reading
Tuesday 16th June 7.30pm
Pantomime is the sharp, playful and thought-provoking classic by Nobel Prize–winning writer Derek Walcott. Set in a small guesthouse in Tobago, Pantomime reimagines the story of Robinson Crusoe through the comic yet charged relationship between Harry Trewe, a white English hotel owner, and Jackson Phillip, his Black Trinidadian handyman. As the two rehearse an unconventional pantomime for tourists—swapping the roles of Crusoe and Friday—the rehearsal quickly becomes a witty and revealing exploration of power, race, identity and colonial history.

Presented as part of the Windrush Festival, this rehearsed reading, directed by Emily Aboud, honours the enduring cultural contributions of the Caribbean community in Britain and invites audiences to reflect, laugh and see a familiar story in a radically new light.

• Book here

Bringing the Vibez 
20 June 2pm – 6pm
Co-curated in collaboration with Just Vibez, Bringing the Vibez commemorates Windrush weekend with a vibrant family centered celebration of Caribbean culture, music and community for all ages.

Enjoy high energy sets from the Just Vibez’ DJ line-up, including talented 8 and 12 year old DJs, plus interactive games with musical statues and karaoke for families.

Get creative at our carnival headpiece-making workshops, move your body at our dance exercise workshop, and relax in our colouring corner celebrating Windrush and Caribbean heroes.

Explore our annual Brixton House Windrush market featuring hair, beauty and clothing vendors. Browse a curated selection of independent vendors offering haircare products, beauty essentials and accessories inspired by Caribbean heritage and contemporary style.

• Book here

Saturday Soup
20 June
7pm Stories | 8pm We Serve the Soup | 9pm Shoobz 
Saturday Soup is a communal gathering inspired by the foundational traditions of African and Caribbean culture: storytelling, food and music.

Beginning with conversations and reflections on identity, heritage and roots, the evening invites audiences to share soup together as a gesture of welcome and connection before ending with a celebratory dance featuring Soca, Calypso, Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Lovers Rock, Hip Hop and Dancehall.

Blending nourishment, conversation and celebration, Saturday Soup creates space for community-building across generations and cultures.

• Book here

More info

Brixton House
385 Coldharbour Lane
Brixton, SW9 8GL
www.brixtonhouse.co.uk