Thousands flock to Smethwick for annual festival
Thousands of people turned out to enjoy one of the largest Vaisakhi Mela celebrations in the Midlands.
Smethwick's Victoria Park hosted the event yesterday and more than 15,000 people turned out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the community festival.
Crowds enjoyed live bhangra music, dancing, entertainment from Dhol drummers and a variety of food, craft and charity stalls. Visitors could also sample traditional Indian food and there was a fun fair to keep youngsters entertained.
The event was organised by members of the Smethwick High Street festival committee, the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Linda Horton officially opened the event and said: "This is a fantastic event which gets bigger and better every year. It is for all the community to get together .We have a wonderfully diverse community and this event is a great way to bring everyone together to simply enjoy a great family day out."
The free gathering ran from 11 – 6pm and musical entertainment was provided by Brit Asia TV and one of the stars of the main stage was the Dhol Blasters International Band, Debi Makhsoospuri.
King Gurcharan Mall, a committee member for the festival and one of the Dhol Blasters said: "We have been performing since 1983. It was a community event, open to everyone. A chance to spread unity, love and respect."
Enjoying the funfair was the Chahal family. Dad Kulwant, 39 said: "It is a great event, a lovely family day out with something for every age."
Grandmother Jaspal Kaur enjoyed the event with her sister and four year old grandson, Jairaj. She said: "It is a good event which costs nothing to come along and enjoy. My grandson enjoys the music and the funfair."
Organiser of the event, Dal Bains, 46 from Smethwick, has been involved in the event for the past 20 years. She said: "I have been to this event every year and have organised it for the past five. It is a fantastic event to be a part of, it brings everyone together and we are all so passionate about it It takes a lot of hard work in the run up to the event but I love seeing everyone out in the sunshine, with their families, having a good time."
