Thousands descend on Wolverhampton park for annual Vaisakhi celebrations
It was a day to get together and celebrate the birth of the Sikh faith and enjoy some fun.
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The Vaisakhi Mela yesterday brought more than 30,000 people of all races and faiths to West Park in Wolverhampton for a day of celebration in honour of the 325th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa Order and making of Saint-Soldier by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
The festival at West Park, which was sponsored by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, saw speeches by religious leaders, a variety of local organisations showcasing their services and free food being served all day from Langar kitchens situated around the park.
Other entertainment on the day included a fun fair, stalls and prominent Asian musicians and singers performing live on stage, with bright, warm and sunny weather happening throughout.
Beforehand, a parade was held, starting from the Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road at 9am and heading around the city centre and Blakenhall, Goldthorn Hill and Penn areas of Wolverhampton before culminating at West Park
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for visitor city, was helping out at the event and said he was very pleased with the way the day had gone.
He said: "It's all gone really well today as the weather has been perfect and we have exceeded the figure of last year, with more than 30,000 people coming to West Park.
"Historically, Vaisakhi goes back to farming and when people were planting corn and the crops were ripe and ready to be cut and go to market, so it's a big celebration in the Sikh calendar as it helps us celebrate our hard work being done.
"The great thing about Vaisakhi is that you can forget colour, creed, background and religion and just come down, celebrate with us and enjoy the day, the culture and the different foods on offer."
