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Where to find West Midlands Vaisakhi celebrations

Susie RackWest Midlands
City of Wolverhampton Council Men in orange turbans and scarves dressed in white robes lead a procession through the streets. The are carrying poles wrapped in orange fabric. The men have long beards.City of Wolverhampton Council
Sikhs in traditional attire lead the Nagar Kirtan processions to celebrate Vaisakhi

Celebrations have been taking place across the West Midlands this month to mark Vaisakhi, with more planned for the coming weeks.

The festival, one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar, celebrates the founding of Khalsa in 1699, seen as the birth of the religion's community.

The anniversary itself fell on 14 April this year, but tens of thousands will be coming together for colourful parades and festivals later this month and into May.

Birmingham's parade

On Sunday, Birmingham's Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan parade starts at Gurdwara Babe Ke on Soho Hill in Hockley at 09:30 BST, before heading through Handsworth and ending at Gurdwara Baba Sang Ji in Smethwick at 15:00.

Along with the traditional parade celebrating Sikh heritage and culture, there will be displays of martial arts, moments of reflection and free food in the langar tradition.

Rolling road closures are planned along the route, with people advised to check journeys before travelling nearby.

Thousands due in Coventry

Gurmit Sandhu and Ranjit Sahota A parade of hundreds people in traditional Sikh head coverings in a street. A man in a black turban with long black beard holds out a box of pizza in the foreground, which a young man takes a slice from.Gurmit Sandhu and Ranjit Sahota
Participants and onlookers are given free food in Coventry as part of the Sikh ethos of seva, or selfless service

Also on Sunday, about 10,000 are expected to fill the streets of Foleshill, Coventry, for a parade from Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash on Harnall Lane West.

Starting from 10:00, celebrations begin with a donation ceremony, before drummers in traditional clothing lead floats and people on foot on an anti-clockwise circular route, with free refreshments along the way.

Dr Bikram Singh, medical coordinator for the event, said he had grown up seeing the annual celebration get "bigger and bigger".

"It inspires me to see how the Sikh community work both together and with other local communities to make the event such a success," he said.

Also in Warwickshire, Sikh Union Coventry has arranged a Vaisakhi sports festival and mela on 3 May at the War Memorial Park in Kenilworth between 09:00 and 17:00.

Participants can sign up to both individual and team events including rounders and tug-of-war.

Gurmit Sandhu and Ranjit Sahota Men lined up in a parade with long drums on straps around their neck. The drums are decorated with red blue and black pom poms. The men nearest the camera are wearing black head coverings such as bandanas, turbans and patkas, and dark jumpers. Others can be seen behind them in a procession, and a large vehicle preceding a float.Gurmit Sandhu and Ranjit Sahota
Nigara and dhol drums announce the Nagar Kirtan as it moves through Coventry's streets

Music and stalls in Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton's West Park will play host to thousands of visitors on 3 May between 12:00 and 17:00.

A parade begins at 08:30 at Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road, before going to West Park.

The City of Wolverhampton Council has warned a number of surrounding roads will be shut and nearby parking limited.

The city's Council of Sikh Gurdwaras has organised the event, which promises stalls, speeches from religious leaders and musical performances.

'UK's largest Vaisakhi celebrations'

Sikh adults dressed in traditional clothing stand and sit on a white blanket in a park, facing a stage. Many have their hands together in prayer. White tent peaks can be seen behind, in front of trees.
Thousands are expected at Smethwick's Victoria Park

Elsewhere on 10 May, an open air gathering described as the "UK's largest Vaisakhi celebrations" is planned at Victoria Park in Smethwick.

Those going can enjoy the traditional communal meal in the langar zone, find traditional arts and crafts at the bazaar and enjoy funfair rides and inflatables, organisers said.

The event is organised by Darbar Events, a not-for-profit community organisation that delivers cultural and faith-based gatherings.

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