Dancing and drums at Telford Sikh celebration

The celebration of Vaisakhi in Telford saw a procession from Hadley's Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, to Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Oakengates.

Vaisakhi celebrates the birth of Sikhism and is also known as the faith's harvest festival.

Jag Singh Mattu, of Hadley, the lead event organiser, said the parade was in its third year and had proved a success with the whole community, allowing people to join in with the celebration of Sikhism.

He said: "For us it is all about celebrating the birth of Sikhism and we want everyone to join in with that celebration.

"The whole community is always excited about it and looking forward to it, asking 'when's the date', there is so much enthusiasm and people really do look forward to it."

Roads were closed for the parade which featured drummers, ceremonial dancers and traditional music, with walkers also handing out sweets to onlookers.

Floats, which formed part of the parade, were draped in orange flowers, while more than 100 volunteers helped to ensure the procession went smoothly.

Volunteer Rabinder S Dhami said the parade provided the opportunity to celebrate all of mankind and not just the Sikh faith.

He said: "I think what it does is it gives people the chance to understand what Sikhism is about, more than just a faith, it is a way of life and it allows people to be part of it.

"Today is very much about respecting everyone.

"We have people who are non Sikhs joining us and although we are celebrating a Sikh festival we want to celebrate all of mankind."

Mark Pritchard, standing for re-election as the Member of Parliament for the Wrekin, also joined the procession and praised the event for embracing people of all faiths.

He said: "It is absolutely brilliant.

"It is very colourful, creative and is an important religious milestone for all Sikhs, and one that we can all respect and honour. In a world where there is increasing intolerance the Sikh faith is open and welcoming, and this is a great celebration which the whole community can join."

John Smart, chairman of Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council, added: "I think it is wonderful and just shows how Hadley people can all come together."

Suky Kaur, a teacher from Apley, said she was pleased to see so many people taking part.

She said: "It is nice to see the community together for events like this and it is nice to see non Sikhs participating."

Kiran Dool, of Telford, added: "It is multiculturalism, It is very important to make sure that we not only celebrate our own identity but also invite others into it to take part."