Thousands of Sikhs to celebrate Vaisakhi at Wolverhampton procession

The city's streets are set to come alive with beaming bright orange as thousands unite to celebrate Vaisakhi this weekend.

Families will stride side-by-side as they march from Wolverhampton's Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara for the new year festivities.

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden, who will join the procession, said: "I send my warmest greetings at this special time of Vaisakhi.

"As an MP representing thousands of Sikh and Punjabi constituents, I know this is a very special time for our community.

"I look forward to joining the Nagar Kirtan procession from Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Sedgley St, and attending the Vaisakhi Mela in West Park."

Vaisakhi is one of the most auspicious days in the Sikh calendar, marking the birth of the Khalsa - the name given to the religious community - on April 14.

This year marks the 319th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.

Sedgley Street's Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara will lead the city's celebrations, with its annual procession on Sunday.

Families are invited to join a prayer service in the main hall between 9am and 10.30am before the procession leaves between 11am and 11.30am.

Bold orange flags bearing the religious emblem the Khanda will float along with waves of worshippers strolling along the streets.

The procession will pass along Baggott Street, Bromley Street, Dudley Road, Wolverhampton Road and Dudding Road

Sikhs will then continue along Patricia Avenue, Ednam Road, Goldthorn Hill and Upper Villers Street before heading back towards the gurdwara at about 1.30pm.

Mr McFadden added: "It will also be my honour this year, as every year for the past seven years, to host the Vaisakhi celebrations in Parliament next week.

"I believe it is very important that Parliament, the home of our democracy, reflects what the United Kingdom is today and am delighted that this celebration takes place every year with support from all parties and speakers from many parts of the Sikh community.

"I am grateful to Mr Speaker for allowing us to host this Vaisakhi celebration in the Speaker’s state rooms."

Thousands of visitors are also expected to pour into West Park for the annual Vaisakhi Mela on May 6.

The six-hour free festivities, organised by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras and community groups, will include a mix of free food, a fun fair, stalls, live music performances and speeches from religious leaders.

A procession from Cannock Road's Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara will head towards West Park from 9am.

Director for city economy Keren Jones said: "Vaisakhi is always hugely popular and with less than a month to go preparations are underway by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton and the Asian community to ensure another fun filled family event.

"Wolverhampton council urge everyone to put the date in their diary and see West Park come alive to the sights and sounds of the Vaisakhi Festival."