Sikh festival of Vaisakhi

The procession, called a Nagar Kirtan, will begin at 11.30am today.

Around 5,000 people at expected to join in.

The procession will set off from the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Clarence Place before going past the new Gurdwara site in Khalsa Avenue.

It will then go through the town centre and, following a stop at the Guru Ravi Dass Gurdwara in Arthur Street, the procession will end back in Clarence Place.

Prayers will be said from a stage built outside the new Gurdwara followed by speeches by invited dignitaries.

Throughout the route there will be donations of food and drink by community members.

There will be a Gurpurb, a celebratory service, on Sunday at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara.

Assistant director of North West Kent Racial Equality Council Gurvinder Sandher said: "The Vaisakhi celebrations are an excellent example of the good community relations we enjoy in Gravesham.

"The festival has evolved so it is now not only a special event for the Sikh community but is also a festival for everyone in Gravesham to watch and take part in.

"I hope the local community will enjoy this colourful spectacle."

Kent firefighters are joining the parade today to give out fire safety advice warning people to celebrate safely.

Tips include never leaving candles and divas unattended at home and being careful with fireworks.

Commmunity fire safety advisor Sonny Mangat said: "While enjoying Vaisakhi this year, we want people to be safe from fire related hazards in the home.

"I would especially urge the celebrating community to ensure they have a working smoke alarm installed on every floor of their homes and the batteries tested weekly.

"By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risks of death and injury for yourself and your family."