Thousands expected to take part in Sikh procession

A procession will take place through Leicester to mark a major celebration for the city's Sikh community.

The Nagar Kirtan procession, part of the annual festival of Vaisakhi, will take place between two of Leicester's gurdwaras on Sunday from 11:00 BST.

The procession will set off from the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Holy Bones, and make its way to the Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara in East Park Road by about 15:00.

The event, which features singing, prayers and community langar donations of food to celebrate the founding of the the Sikh community, known as Khalsa, in 1699, will require some rolling road closures.

Thousands are expected to take part in the parade.

Motorists are advised closures will be needed on Holy Bones, Great Central Street, Vaughan Way, St Nicholas Circle and St Nicholas Place.

The procession will then head through pedestrianised city centre streets along High Street, past the Clock Tower, and up Humberstone Gate.

Further road closures will be needed on Charles Sreet, St George's Way, Swain Street, Sparkenhoe Street, St Peter's Road, East Park Road, Leicester Street and Roseberry Street.

Delays are expected, said Leicester City Council, while bus timetables may be affected.

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