THOUSANDS of Southampton residents came to celebrate the holiest day of the Sikh calendar yesterday.

The 30th Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan was held, celebrating the birth of the Sikh order, which formed in 1699, and is the day when the tenth guru Khalse created the Sikh religion.

Residents came to the event wearing a rich display of colours and were excited to join the procession which started on Gurdwara Siri Guru Ravidass Sabha on Northumberland Road.

There was also a performance of the Sikh national anthem, Indian drummers and free food was served at all Gurdwaras (Sikh place of worship).

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith tweeted: "Celebrating #Vaisakhi with the Sikh community in Southampton."

The procession concluded on Northumberland Road and anyone could participate in the celebration.