CARIBBEAN
INFLUENCE
ON
BRITISH JAZZ
1930 to Windrush and Beyond
JUN 22nd - Oct 26th 2025
An Exhibition by
The Jazz Centre UK and
The Windrush and Jazz Appreciation Society
The Jazz Centre UK ran a successful exhibition, highlighting the substantial contributions of the Caribbean community to British jazz. Launched on June 22nd to honor Windrush Day, this exhibit was a part of our inaugural series dedicated to showcasing diverse cultural influences on jazz.
The display featured valuable items from the 'Windrush and Jazz Appreciation Society' and acclaimed jazz vocalist Elaine Delmar. It also included rare and previously unseen photographs documenting the Windrush generation and celebrated UK Caribbean musicians, providing attendees with profound insight into the vibrant cultural heritage that has enriched British jazz.
The exhibition was available to the public until October 26th, culminating in a series of events during Black History Month.
Throughout the duration, The Jazz Centre UK organized a variety of activities designed to engage and educate visitors. These included:
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Opening Ceremony
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Educational Talks, including a conversation with Yolanda Charles MBE
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Film Presentations
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Admission to the general exhibition was free, ensuring accessibility for all interested in exploring this significant chapter of jazz history.
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Live Music Event from Elaine Delmar
The Jazz Centre UK was delighted to connect jazz enthusiasts with the extraordinary narrative of Caribbean influences in British jazz throughout this exhibition.
Project Outcome
The Jazz Centre UK proudly hosted a captivating display as part of our jazz heritage exhibition, showcasing the profound impact of Caribbean contributions to British jazz. The exhibition featured an exceptional collection of rare cuttings, programs, photographs, books, CDs, and vinyl records. These items were expertly curated from private collections and The Jazz Centre UK's archives, creating a comprehensive and rich representation of jazz history. We were particularly honored to collaborate with The Windrush and Jazz Appreciation Society and renowned jazz artist Elaine Delmar, whose generous contributions made this exhibition uniquely special.
Set with the historical context of the Caribbean-UK relationship, including the pivotal Windrush era, the exhibition paid tribute to influential Caribbean and UK Caribbean jazz legends. Visitors had the remarkable opportunity to celebrate the contributions of iconic figures such as Jiver Hutchinson, Cyril Blake, Frederick Grant, Kenrick 'Snakehips' Johnson, Leslie Thompson, Mona Baptiste, Gary Crosby OBE, Courtney Pine, Denys Baptiste, Gail Thompson, and many others. The exhibition featured never-before-seen photographs of Kingston during the Windrush, alongside images of remarkable musicians active from the 1930s. These treasures revealed the foundational roots of UK Caribbean jazz and highlighted the enduring influence of this rich musical heritage through to the present day.
This exhibition offered a wonderful opportunity for individuals unfamiliar with jazz to discover the profound impact these musicians have had, and continue to have, on British society. For jazz enthusiasts, it provided the joy of seeing these important artists celebrated and recognized for their contributions.
In addition to the display, the project incorporated numerous supporting events that contributed to a comprehensive and engaging visitor experience. Notable events included an opening ceremony on June 22nd, a workshop hosted by Yolanda Charles MBE, and a live performance by Elaine Delmar in August. These events facilitated deeper engagement, education, and enjoyment for all attendees, further enriching the overall impact of the exhibition. The exhibition also gained the support of the National Windrush Museum with two of their directors attending the inaugural event.
The successful execution of this exhibition set a high standard for future projects, underscoring The Jazz Centre UK's commitment to celebrating diverse cultural influences in jazz and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this musical genre.