Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz, Councillor Charlene McLean and Chair of Council Councillor Winston Vaughan, attended the sold out Newham London Windrush Day celebration event, hosted by local comedian Quincy aka ‘The Cockney Prince’.

There was something for everyone to enjoy. Children had fun learning activities including Caribbean Greeting Cards with Antonietta Torsiello, and face painting by NyGlorious Face Arts, while elders enjoyed playing dominoes with the Oldies Foundation.

Visitors were entertained with music by the Reggae Choir, Crystxl King, the steel band Pan Vibration and DJ Sleepz played classic Calypso music.

Visitors tucked into Caribbean food and Caribbean afternoon tea was served.

The Caribbean Marketplace offered a variety of different stalls selling educational books, games, natural beauty products and upcycled fashion and textiles.

During the event I co-ordinated a Sakafet London Caribbean Madras Fashion Show.

Sakafet London, who also had a stall at the marketplace, celebrates diversity while connecting British Caribbean people with their heritage.

While models danced on stage wearing handmade traditional creole outfits, Jennifer Laurent-Smart, founder of the clothing brand Sakafet London, gave a running commentary detailing the history behind the outfits being modelled.

Jennifer, who was born to parents of Dominican heritage, grew up and went to school in Newham. She was a parent governor and former member of the Newham Independent Race Advisory Group.

A Sakafet London traditional outfit was on display in John Lewis, Westfield Stratford for Black History month in 2021.

https://www.sakafet-london.com

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