THE 75th anniversary of the arrival of Windrush, symbolic of the generation from the Commonwealth who helped rebuild postwar Britain, will be marked later this year as a “diamond jubilee for modern diverse Britain,” campaigners said today.

The Windrush 75 network of organisations, including the charity British Future, which aims to advance racial and cultural harmony through education, is co-ordinating events.

Actor Sir Lenny Henry, historian David Olusoga and MPs are among those who have spoken about why it is important to reflect on the anniversary of the first arrivals on June 22.

Co-ordinator of the Windrush 75 network Patrick Vernon said events will celebrate the legacy of the generation.

He said: “Windrush 75 is like a diamond jubilee for modern diverse Britain.

“We are celebrating four generations of contribution, legacy, struggle and positive change.

“It is a moment to look to the future too, at how we address the challenges to come.”

Sir Lenny, who has written a play and TV series to highlight the difficulties faced by the Windrush generation, which includes his mother Winifred, said he wanted to show respect for earlier pioneers.

Mr Olusoga said the anniversary deserves to be marked in a significant way because of the role the Windrush generation has played in shaping British culture.

“The arrival of the Windrush is a pivotal moment in black history and British history,” he said. “We see its legacy every day, when we turn on the radio or TV, walk down the high street or cheer for England at the World Cup.”

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said June 22 will be “an emotional day in many communities” and a “time to celebrate how migration and diversity has helped build modern Britain.”