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

The popular cultural festival will return to West Park on Sunday 4 May between 12pm and 5pm.

The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton has promised 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 Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills said: "Vaisakhi is always hugely popular and we look forward to this year’s celebrations. With weeks to go, preparations are underway by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton and people who live in the city, to ensure another fun filled family event. 

“We are pleased that the event is returning to West Park and are looking forward to being able to celebrate the festival again as it is an extremely important event in the city’s calendar.

“There is limited parking around West Park, so attendees are kindly requested to park responsibly or to make use of nearby car parks on Fold Street and Clifton Street.

"The City of Wolverhampton Council 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 8:30am.

To support the safe arrival of the parade as it makes its way into the park, maintain emergency access and reduce disruption to residents, motorists are advised a full road closure will be in place from 8am to 6pm on the roads detailed below:

• Lansdowne Road – closed 8am – 6pm
• Park Avenue – closed 8am – 6pm
• Park Road East - closed between junctions with Park Road West/Southgate and Devon Road 8am – 6pm
• Park Road West - closed between junctions with Park Road East/Southgate and Summerfield Road 8am – 6pm
• Southgate – closed 8am – 6pm

More details have been sent to those residents who will be affected.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It is the Sikh New Year festival, and this year marks the 326th Anniversary of the Creation of the Khalsa Order and making of Saint-Solider by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.