Road closure warning ahead of Vaisakhi celebrations

Thousands of people visited the park for last year's event

Motorists and residents in Wolverhampton are being warned about road closures and potential disruption when an annual Sikh festival is held in the city.

The council said thousands of visitors were expected at West Park on Sunday 5 May for Vaisakhi, one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar.

It is preceded by a parade from the Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road at 09:00 BST.

Temporary road closures will be in place while the procession makes it way to the park with a one-way system in place around West Park from 09:00 and removed 30 minutes after it ends to keep traffic moving, the council said.

Vaisakhi took place on 13 April and the spring festival celebrates the founding of the Khalsa, in 1699.

The May event, organised by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton, will include entertainment, a fun fair, stalls and prominent Asian musicians and singers performing live on stage.

Speaking last month welcoming the return of the festival to the park, councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for Visitor City, also advised drivers about parking.

“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 date in the city’s calendar," he said.

“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."