The University of Greenwich will host its first-ever Cultural Festival on Saturday, 19 September 2026, a day-long celebration of cultural diversity, creativity and heritage created in partnership with the university's Global Majority Alumni Community (GMAC).
The event, to be held at the Dreadnought Building on the university's Greenwich Campus, is open to all alumni and will run from 12pm to 6pm, with registration opening at 11.30am. Tickets are priced at £3, covering access to the full programme, lunch, and a drinks and networking reception. All proceeds will go toward the university's Annual Fund, which supports students facing financial hardship.
The inaugural festival reflects the University of Greenwich's continued commitment to inclusion and belonging, building on the foundations of its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. It will bring together a wide-ranging line-up of talent from across the alumni community and beyond, including workshops in Kolam, a traditional South Indian art form led by alumna Tamil Selvam Thangavel; as well as Chinese knotting, filmmaking and cultural storytelling. The day will also feature film screenings, campus tours, author showcases and exhibitions running throughout, with further additions to the programme still to be announced.
Programme highlights include:
12:00 – A screening of The Story of Sam King MBE, a 20-minute documentary from the Black Heroes Foundation marking the centenary of Sam King's birth, introduced by Dr Joyce Fraser OBE. The film follows his journey from the Royal Air Force to arrival with the Windrush generation, to his election as the first Black Mayor of Southwark.
13:15 – A spoken word performance, "Hello, World!", by Greenwich alumnus Caleb Nwachukwu.
14:45 – An author showcase with Grammy-nominated reggae artist, radio DJ, producer and studio owner Tippa Irie, discussing his debut memoir, Stick To My Roots.
14:45 – From homeland to new land – how recipes transform. Chefs, researchers, and everyday food lovers explore how migration transforms the dishes we carry from home and how those dishes shape the communities that receive them.
15:30 – A traditional Lion Dance performed by Lion Dance London, with a photo opportunity for attendees.
16:45 – A steel pans performance, followed by closing remarks and a drinks reception.
The university will host the first private tasting of the Windrush Chocolate Collection. Created by Master Chocolatier Paul Wayne Gregory, a new six-piece artisan chocolate collection honours the legacy, courage, and cultural contribution of the Windrush Generation through the art of flavour.
The Windrush Collection was crafted to honour one of the most significant journeys in British history. The collection celebrates the courage, resilience, and determination of the men and women who travelled from the Caribbean to Britain, bringing with them skills, ambition, and a rich culture that helped shape modern Britain.
Rather than relying on words alone, Paul uses tastes, aromas, and memories to take guests on an immersive journey through heritage, culture, and memory:
- Coconut - A Taste of Home: Silky white chocolate meets delicate coconut in a smooth truffle, uniting Caribbean warmth with British chocolate craftsmanship.
- Passion Fruit - New Beginnings: A bright, refreshing passion fruit centre wrapped in fine chocolate, balancing sweet and sharp exotic fruit with British elegance.
- Christmas Cake - Moments of Celebration: Rich fruit, warming spice, and traditional Christmas character reimagined in a decadent truffle.
- Blue Mountain Coffee - Morning Conversations: Bold Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee brings deep roasted notes and velvety richness to an elegant truffle.
- Dark Rum - The Spirit of the Caribbean: Fine dark chocolate paired with the warmth, oak, and spice of authentic Caribbean rum.
- Sorrel & Mixed Spice - Traditions Remembered: Fragrant sorrel and warming island spices unfold through rich chocolate for a vibrant, nostalgic finish.
Paul on the collection: "I wanted to tell this remarkable story in a different way, not through words alone, but through flavours. Each handcrafted chocolate captures the tastes, aromas, and memories that many carried with them across the Atlantic: familiar flavours of home, moments of celebration, and ingredients that evoke comfort, belonging, and hope. I dedicate this creation to all the brave people who came to this unknown land to make a new life for themselves, and by doing so, helped shape my life."
Speaking ahead of the festival, Roneish Myers, Chair of the Global Majority Alumni Community, said: “This festival is not just a single day in September - it's a recognition that our alumni community's strength comes from its diversity. So many of our graduates carry rich cultural heritage with them into their careers and communities, and rarely do we get the chance to bring that heritage together in one place, to celebrate it openly and share it with each other. Creating this space with GMAC feels like a long overdue moment of belonging, and I hope every alumnus who walks through the doors of the Dreadnought Building feels truly seen and celebrated.”
Dr Joyce Fraser OBE, Vice-Chair of the Global Majority Alumni Community, said: “Our alumni community spans continents, cultures and generations, and this festival is our way of honouring that. It matters that we celebrate - not just to look back at where we've come from, but to strengthen the connections that carry us forward. Whether it's through art, food, performance or conversation, this day is about recognising each other's stories and building a community where every background is valued.”
Event details
Saturday, 19 September 2026
12–6pm (registration from 11.30am)
Dreadnought Building, Greenwich Campus
£3 per ticket (includes lunch and reception)
Tickets and the full festival schedule are available via the University of Greenwich's website.
