The countdown to Vaisakhi has begun, with thousands of visitors expected at Wolverhampton's premier park for the annual celebrations in May.

The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton together with the Asian community is holding the popular cultural festival at West Park on Sunday 14 May, 2017, between 10am and 5pm.

It promises entertainment for all the family, including a fun fair, stalls and prominent Asian musicians and singers performing live on stage.

There will be speeches by religious leaders, a variety of local organisations will showcase their services and free food will also be served throughout the day. Entry is also free.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Vaisakhi is always hugely popular and with less than 60 days to go preparations are underway by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton and the Asian community to ensure another fun filled family event.

"I urge everyone to put the date in their diary and see West Park come alive to the sights and sounds of the Vaisakhi Festival."

Beforehand, there will be a parade from the Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road to West Park, starting at 9am. Motorists are advised that temporary road closures will be in place while the procession makes it way to the park.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It is the Sikh New Year festival, and this year marks the 318th Anniversary of the Creation of the Khalsa Order and making of Saint-Solider by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.

  • released: Wednesday 8 March, 2017