Sandwell joins world-wide celebrations of 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence

Sandwell Mayor Councillor Keith Davies was guest of honour at the public event in Oldbury Civic Square.

Among those attending were local residents who came to the UK on the Empire Windrush ship in 1948.

They were among the first large group of people from the Caribbean to arrive after the Second World War.

Derrick Campbell, of Rights & Equality Sandwell, compered the event.

And representatives from other groups including the African Caribbean Resource Centre in West Bromwich and the Community Action Project in Smethwick also marked the occasion.

Singer Laurel Robinson and the Dreemz choir performed the Jamaican national anthem at the event as the Mayor raised the Jamaican flag.

There was further music afterwards inside Sandwell Council House.

The UK's celebrations coincided with those in Jamaica, the United States, Canada and other countries around the world.

Councillor Davies said: "It was wonderful to join together to mark this important anniversary for the Commonwealth and many people in Sandwell, including those with Jamaican heritage."

At Central Library, West Bromwich, a special coffee morning was held earlier.

And a celebration evening with dominoes, reggae music and Jamaican food is being held there tonight (Monday 6 August) at 6pm.