Following on from the success of last year’s Great British Asian Invasion, this irreverent programme tells the real story of Britain’s black population from the late1950s to the present day.

Starting with the first generation, The Great British Black Invasion asks why people from the Caribbean and Africa decided to come to Britain and how they have influenced culture here. It also tells the story of those children, for whom ‘home’ has always been Britain, and how being raised with two cultures has affected their lives.

The stories are told through the lively and insightful personal recollections of a wide range of figures: from Lord Heseltine to Linford Christie; from Paul Boateng to David Lammy, from Ned Sherrin to Trevor Nelson, from Garry Bushell to Ekow Eshun. We also hear from the bus conductor from Barbados, the nurse from Jamaica, and the African student.

Pilots were amongst Britain’s first black migrants. They came over to support the war effort but, despite their contribution, soon faced a hostile reception as they made the transition from servicemen to civilians. We also hear from Jamaican calypso musician, Alan Wilmott, who speaks of his experiences on Britain in the 50s. His lively tour of Soho recalls how Caribbean music soon became the leading form of entertainment in the area until it was eclipsed by rock and pop.

Clips from old TV shows together with music through the decades ensures the story of the black people of Britain is revealed in all its passionate glory. This is a snapshot of British life through the eyes of those who experienced it and media figures who documented it. It takes us on a journey from the Caribbean to Africa to see how Britain has changed. The Great British Black Invasion also tells the story of the latest arrivals from Somalia. With almost a quarter of a million mixed race marriages in the UK, this programme looks at how Britain has evolved and what the future holds for its newest generation.