West Park turns orange as thousands attend Vaisakhi celebration - pictures and video
Streets were painted a sea of orange as thousands turned out for Wolverhampton’s annual Vaisakhi celebrations.
A colourful parade took place through the city centre to West Park, where thousands of people descended to enjoy Punjabi cuisine, bhangra music and children’s funfair rides.
The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton, together with the Asian community, held the popular cultural festival on Sunday between 10am and 5pm.
Visitors senses were filled with the sights and sounds of the colourful feast, including staged speeches from religious leaders, prospective parliamentary candidates and performances from prominent Asian musicians.
Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It is the Sikh New Year festival, and this year marks the 318th Anniversary of the Creation of the Khalsa Order and making of Saint-Solider by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
It is also known as the faith’s harvest festival.
WATCH footage from the celebrations:
Celebrations were kicked off with the parade from the Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road to West Park, which began at 9am. The Nagar Kirtan procession arrived around 1pm via the Southgate.
Drummers led the procession, as is tradition, and they were followed by sword bearers, Khalsa flag bearers and a float carrying the Sikh holy book, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Speaking on the day, Dr Sadhu Singh, vice-chairman of the Wolverhampton Council of Sikh Gurdwaras who organised the event, explained: “We are incredibly happy to welcome thousands of people to this annual event. Everyone in the community is very much a part of it.”
Roger Lawrence, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: “I have been here at every Vaisakhi Mela since the first one many years ago and it is through the unfailing energy and enthusiasm that this event has become the event that we know and love each year.
“It is important to acknowledge the contribution of the Sikh community to this great city of ours and the work and economy of our city and social and cultural life too.”
Emma Reynolds, prospective parliamentary candidate, added: “It is a great pleasure to be here today and I always look forward to the Vaisakhi celebration in West Park and we are blessed with good weather.
“It is my ninth year that I have been coming now. It is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution made over the decades to our city.”
Hundreds of residents of all ages joined the event to turn the park orange.
A variety of organisations showcased their services and free food was also served.
Motorists were advised that temporary road closures were also in place.
Balpreet Singh, 32, from Whitmore Reans, attended with his wife Kasy, 35, and their three children.
He said: “It is a really special occasion for us. It marks an important time and sees that we celebrate it in full tradition. There is lots of entertainment for the children and things to do and see. Tasty food is served as well and everyone seems happy.”
Khan Neyeer, 19, from Bilston, was also celebrating with friends and family, he added: “It is good to meet up with old and new friends in good weather.”
