Sikh procession celebrates 50 years of local temple

Crowds have watched a Sikh procession marking 50 years since a local temple was established.

The Nagar Kirtan went from the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Ipswich, on Bramford Road, to Christchurch Park in the centre of town.

The original temple was started in 1974 in a terraced house. The group moved to a scout hut before converting a former sports centre into the space used now.

"When we were in Cemetery Road, we had 17 members," said Gurphal Singh-Lovlee, president of Ipswich Gurdwara.

"Now, with the goodness of almighty God, we have over 120."

Babsy Singh Swali (far right) said Sikhs in Ipswich had grown up hearing stories about how the temple was started.

The procession ended in Christchurch park, with speeches and free food on offer.

Babsy Singh Swali, one of the 1,500 people who attended, said: "We've been told about the Sikh community in Ipswich by our grandparents.

"Fifty years later I hope they are all looking down on us, proud of us for all getting together on an occasion like this and celebrating.

"We are all born and bred Ipswich lads, so the town coming together like this is fantastic."

The Nagar Kirtan procession ended in front of Christchurch mansion in the centre of Ipswich