In a deeply moving moment during Black History Month, acclaimed soul singer and National Lottery Ambassador Beverley Knight made a surprise appearance that left a Wolverhampton community emotional. The music legend, herself a daughter of the Windrush generation, took to the stage at Wolverhampton Arts Centre to announce a transformative grant of £244,452 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Preserving Wolverhampton's Musical Legacy
The substantial funding award was revealed during the Together For Music community event to the grassroots organisation Diversity Music Community 1st. The grant will support their vital Windrush: The Music, The Sound, The Legacy project, which aims to capture and preserve the oral histories of Caribbean-born DJs, musicians and community leaders who shaped Wolverhampton's cultural identity from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Founded to honour the contributions of the Windrush generation, Diversity Music Community 1st plays a crucial role in documenting stories that risk being lost forever. The project specifically explores the impact of Windrush migration through the lens of Caribbean community contributions to the city's music and culture.
A Hometown Hero's Emotional Connection
Beverley Knight, a Wolverhampton local and proud representative of the Windrush legacy, expressed her personal connection to the cause. "As someone whose family is part of the Windrush generation and a lifelong lover of music, it's inspiring to see National Lottery funding supporting organisations like Diversity Community Music 1st," she stated.
"This work is so close to my roots and heart, celebrating and preserving Caribbean culture and music. This success is all thanks to National Lottery players – because of you, this wouldn't be possible!"
Community Celebration and Future Impact
The surprise announcement occurred during an evening that brought together multiple generations of residents for an unforgettable celebration featuring live music, DJ sets and performances from emerging talent. The event served as a powerful testament to resilience, creativity and cultural pride within the Caribbean community.
Wayne Blake, Chair Director of Diversity Music Community 1st, shared the significance of both the funding and Beverley Knight's involvement. "Having Beverley Knight surprise us with the announcement made it even more special. She's a Wolverhampton local, a hometown hero, and a proud daughter of the Windrush generation," he said.
Blake emphasised that while music serves as the starting point, the project ultimately fosters "connection, the relationships, the sense of belonging, and the community we build together." He added that thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, they can "continue to make our impact greater than ever and continue to celebrate our legacy."
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighted the broader significance of the investment. "This grant award is more than funding, it is an investment in people, in stories that deserve to be heard, and in the connections that hold communities together," she explained.
The announcement forms part of The National Lottery's "Because of You" campaign, fronted by Claudia Winkleman, which celebrates extraordinary projects changing lives daily. Since National Lottery funding began in 1994, more than 650,000 projects have been supported with over £50 billion raised by players, including £9.5 billion dedicated to more than 53,000 heritage projects nationwide.
