Photo: Flickr
Transport for London (TfL) celebrated the culture and contributions of the Windrush generation with a special bus wrap at Notting Hill Carnival this past weekend.
The bus design was created by artist Baraka Carberry, themed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of passengers on the SS Empire Windrush.
Andy Lord, TfL’s Transport Commissioner, said:
“Our transport network would not be the success it is today without the incredible contributions of the Windrush generation who answered the call to come here from the Caribbean to work, so Baraka Carberry’s design is a fitting tribute.
I am honoured to join our Windrush veterans, their descendants and colleagues past and present at the carnival to mark this significant anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush, whilst also celebrating the diversity of our people.”
Notting Hill Carnival returned to west London on Sunday 27 August and Monday 28 August 2023 to celebrate the city’s diverse Caribbean community. In collaboration with Lagniappe Mas band and the Windrush Generation Legacy Association, TfL took part in the carnival’s parade on both days of the celebrations.
This year’s Notting Hill Carnival marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush.
I’m delighted that this beautifully designed @TfL bus will tell the powerful story of the Windrush generation and their impact on carnival, the transport network and our city. pic.twitter.com/xtyGV7FXnp
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) August 26, 2023
The double decker bus, which was provided by Go Ahead London, carried a mix of elders, some who previously worked on the London transport network, and current TfL colleagues, in recognition and celebration of their contributions to transport in the city. TfL Commissioner Andy Lord also joined the float on the Sunday.
The bus is one of more than 1,100 zero-emission models on London’s roads to help clean up London’s air. Following the carnival the wrapped bus is planned to be in service throughout Black History Month in October.
The bus wrap artist Baraka Carberry was one of five artists of Caribbean heritage who created the Windrush 75 stamps for Royal Mail. The wrap visually entwined the culture, community, and colours of Notting Hill Carnival and the 75-year history of Windrush, in a vibrant, richly layered design.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world’s biggest and best street festivals, and this year it’s extra special as it marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and celebrates the contributions of this remarkable generation. I’m delighted that this beautifully designed bus will tell the powerful story of the Windrush generation and their descendants, and their impact on carnival, the transport network and all aspects of our lives.
It is a fitting tribute to the Caribbean men, women and children who came to London all those years ago and have helped make our capital the greatest city in the world, as we continue to build a better London for all.”
