WATCH: 2,000 take to Black Country's streets for Vaisakhi parade

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Around 2,000 people, dressed in orange clothing, sang hymns and played instruments as they took part in the annual Vaisakhi procession between Wednesfield and Willenhall yesterday.

The celebration commemorated the anniversary of the initiation of the first five members of the brotherhood of the Khalsa on April 13, 1699 – one of the most significant dates in Sikh history – as well as ushering in spring.

The celebrations began at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Well Lane, Wednesfield, at 10am and finished at the Guru Nank Sikh Gurdwara on Walsall Road, Willenhall, about three miles away, at 1.30pm.

The march is annually organised by members from both temples.

Dignitaries at the celebratory event included councillor for Wednesfield South, Bhupinder Singh Gakhal.

Each year, the route is alternated with it this year starting at Wednesfield and finishing in Willenhall.

As is tradition, a drummer set the beat at the front of the procession, followed by sword bearers, Khalsa flag bearers and an orange-swathed float carrying the Sikh holy book, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Five baptised Sikhs dressed in traditional dress led the way behind a group of sweepers clearing the road for their bare feet.

Roads were closed along the route as people walked through the streets or travelled on floats for the huge parade.

The main float carried the Sikh holy book while two other floats contained people singing hymns and playing music.

Councillor Singh Gakhal, who helps organise the event each year, said the procession to Willenhall was a hugely success event.

"Once again I can't thank enough the organisers, police, the local authority and everyone who came for playing another vital role – it was another huge success," he said.

"Every year the parade seems to excel itself and that was certainly the case again this year. The turnout was incredible with about 2,000 people here celebrating. The event is such a special one for the Sikh community in Wolverhampton, we are talking about centuries of tradition here.

"Another nice thing was to see younger people from the Sikh community attending as well as other communities opening their doors and being interested in what was happening.

"It is vital for future generations to learn and share the traditional celebrations as well."

One of the many people lining up the Black Country streets was Amarjit Sandhu, 38, of Willenhall, who attended with his family.

"This is such a special event and such an important one in our religion," he said.

"We celebrate this every year and luckily the weather is good and it's just right, not too cold and not too warm either.

"On your own walking to Willenhall is not something you would consider, but for occasions like this it's great because you get to meet your family and friends."

Sushil Uppal, 40, from Wednesfield, said: "This is always a special religious event and it is great to see so many people take part.

"It is a long walk to Willenhall, but the fact you have loads of company with you and showing respect makes it so special.

"It is also good because during the walk there are many stalls you see throughout which make the walk more entertaining."

Next year's celebrations will begin at Willenhall but many more Vaisakhi processions will be taking place up and down the country for the remainder of the month.

The festival is also celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists for different reasons including the start of a new year.

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