Thousands of Sikhs lined the streets of Southampton in celebration of the religious festival Vaisakhi.

Bevois Valley was filled with colour as many walked out to the sound of the procession.

Organised by Gurdwara Nanaksar, the procession started at the Gurdwara temple on Onslow Road, before turning down to Cranbury Avenue, down Derby Road and then up to Northbrook Road before joining St Mary’s Road.

Then it went around Charlotte Place roundabout before going up The Avenue, turning to Lodge Road before being back on Onslow Road.

The event saw dozens of people watch the procession go by from their front door, while many people gave out drinks and samosas to those watching.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important events in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the formation of the Khalsa Panth, the community of committed Sikhs, by Guru Gobind Singh, in 1699.

Malkeat Singh, member of the Gurdwara Council and part of the team who organised the procession, said: “Vaisakhi is one of the most important events in the Sikh calendar and in Southampton we celebrate it will all four Gurdwaras.

"It is part of a big procession which brings all the communities together and as part of a procession you have hymns being sung.

“There will also be martial arts displays that will happen throughout the procession.

“Southampton is a multicultural city with many faiths and we want to invite all communities to come to celebrate this with us to show how wonderful and inclusive the city of Southampton is.

“On behalf of the Gurdwara Council I would like to wish everybody a happy Vaisakhi and I do hope everyone taking part today will enjoy themselves.”

He added: “We are a very close-knit community, we come together on all occasions good and bad to support one another and be part of the occasion.”

Before setting off, various leaders gave a speech, alongside the leader of the city council, Lorna Fielker and MP for Southampton Test, Dr Alan Whitehead.

During the procession, many walked out of their front doors as the sound of drums filled the streets.

One resident of Cranbury Avenue, who did not wish to be named, said: “I started hearing the drums and I came outside and saw the seas of people here.

“They have had it every year since I have lived here and it’s so nice that they allow us to watch them celebrate the festival.

"It’s also so nice of them to offer some lovely food.”