Thousands celebrate Vaisakhi at city festival

Up to 45,000 people have attended a free event to celebrate the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.

Kuldip Singh, one of the main organisers of the event at Wolverhampton's West Park, said thousands of people stayed until well after the entertainment on the main stage ended.

Although it was organised by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton with the support of the city council, Singh said there were visitors from all religions and backgrounds with a friendly atmosphere.

He said that had been encouraging in the current climate, with the government raising the UK terror threat level following the Golders Green attacks.

One of the busiest attractions had been the large tent serving free food throughout the day, he said, but there were also dozens of stalls, a funfair and musicians performing live on stage.

The day started with a parade from the Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road to West Park.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar and celebrates the founding of the community in 1699. It was officially marked on 14 April this year.

The event in Wolverhampton is now in its 31st year and Singh said planning for a 32nd would begin soon.

He said it was "getting bigger and bigger," but a date could only be confirmed when the Championship published its fixture list for next season, to avoid any clash with a Wolverhampton Wanderers match.

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