This year marks thirty years since the eruption of Montserrat’s Soufrière Hills Volcano – an event that transformed our island and shaped the lives of generations to come. What began as rumblings in 1995 became a defining chapter in Montserrat’s history: one that forced thousands from their homes and scattered families across the world, with many finding new beginnings here in the UK.
To honour this history and the resilience of our people, the Montserrat Government UK Office is proud to present Soufrière Stories, a four-part podcast series capturing the voices, memories and reflections of Montserratians living in the UK. This oral history project gives space to those who experienced the eruption, left the island, and built their lives anew – but have never lost their connection to home.
The podcast begins with vivid recollections of life before the ash, when Montserrat was a place of music-filled streets, vibrant community life, and family traditions handed down through generations. Listeners will hear about village life, Carnival and St Patrick’s celebrations, and the wisdom of elders whose sayings still resonate today.
It then turns to the day everything changed: the uncertainty, fear and disbelief when the Soufrière Hills Volcano came to life. Contributors recall listening to ZJB Radio and government briefings, moving between exclusion zones, and the painful realisation that life would never return to how it once was.
The series also chronicles the emotional journey of leaving Montserrat. Many describe the moment they knew they had to go, weighing the safety of their families against the heartbreak of leaving. For some, the UK represented stability and opportunity; for others, it was an unfamiliar, daunting place. Stories of kindness, community support, and cultural adaptation illustrate how Montserratians found their footing, forged strong diaspora networks, and celebrated their heritage even far from home.
Thirty years on, Montserratians in the UK reflect on what it means to belong and to remember. For some, the dream of returning remains alive; for others, home now stretches across two shores. The podcast closes with reflections on resilience, cultural pride, and how identity continues to evolve for a community shaped by both loss and enduring connection.
Soufrière Stories is more than a podcast – it is a record of survival, memory, and community. It is a chance to reflect on how far we have come as a people, and to honour those moments and memories that shaped us.
You can listen to Soufrière Stories here:
We invite you to listen, share, and join us in commemorating this important anniversary. Together, let us honour the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future of Montserrat and its diaspora.
