GALLERY: Telford Vaisakhi celebration sparkles in spring sunshine
Bright skies and warm weather were matched only by the colourful clothing and great atmosphere at this year’s Vaisakhi celebrations in Telford.
Hundreds of people turned out to take part in one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar.
The procession started at Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Oakengates and finished at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Hadley.
Jag Singh Mattu, who was involved in organising the event, said: “What a beautiful day, what a beautiful Telford atmosphere.
“This year we tried to get more people involved, and make it a big celebration. It’s a special day for us.
“Being the Easter weekend as well, we had a lot of spectators. They were watching and then joining in.
"The comments that we had were so positive. It was vibrant and colourful. Everybody tries to wear orange; orange turbans, clothing and scarves.”
Vaisakhi commemorates the formation of the Khalsa, the brotherhood of saint soldiers, in 1699 by the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh Ji and is also a spring harvest celebration.
This year's Vaisakhi event came 50 years after the Sikh community started holding worship and meetings in Telford.
In 1973 the Sikh community bought a former junior school and it became the first Sikh temple, or Gurdwara, in Shropshire.
