Thousands expected at Vaisakhi celebrations

Sikhs across the Midlands will be taking to the streets from this weekend in a culmination of celebrations for Vaisakhi, one of the most holiest dates in the Sikh calendar. It marks the creation of the Khalsa.

Thousands of people from across the region will be attending both public events celebrating the date, and local parades honouring the religious date. Communities in Wolverhampton will be among those taking part in religious parades on Sunday.

Victoria Square in Birmingham is hosting the city's big Vaisakhi celebration event, the first time a religious event of this size has been held in that location.

Walsall-based charity Midlands Langar Seva Society (MLSS), who feed hundreds of people in need every night across the Midlands (in accordance with the Sikh system of a free kitchen called Langar), will be hosting festivities.

The charity now help those in need in more than twelve cities across the UK, and have also set up help branches of their work in India.

The big celebrations in Birmingham on Saturday will feature martial-arts displays, performances of kirtan (Sikh hymn singing), having the chance to have a turban tied and more, alongside free vegetarian snacks and drinks being served throughout the day. Celebrations are open to all.

Click here for more coverage of Vaisakhi parades in the Midlands.