Wolverhampton Vaisakhi: Everything you need to know including list of road closures and what is happening on the day
It is one of the most important dates in the Sikh Calendar and an event which brings thousands of visitors to a city park for a day of celebrations.
The official countdown to 2026 Vaisakhi has begun, with thousands of visitors expected to attend the popular cultural festival at West Park in Wolverhampton on Sunday, May 3 between 12pm and 5pm with free entry.
West Park has become the centre for the festivities, with a day of entertainment for all the family planned.
We've taken a look at everything you need to know about the event, what is happening on the day and any road closures on the day.
What is Vaisakhi?
Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It is the Sikh New Year festival, and this year marks the 327th Anniversary of the Creation of the Khalsa Order and making of Saint-Soldier by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
What events are happening on the day?
The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton have planned a fun filled day with entertainment for all the family, including a fun fair, a variety of stalls and popular Asian musicians and singers will be performing live on stage.
Religious leaders will be on stage delivering speeches, and a wide range of local organisations will showcase their services. Free food will also be served throughout the day.
To start proceedings, there will be a parade from the Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road to West Park, starting at 8:30am.
What partners are working to organise the event?
This year’s event is sponsored by local businesses School of Coding and AI and BJS Home Delivery.
What road closures are in place for the parade and event?
To support the safe arrival of the parade as it makes its way into the park, maintain emergency access and reduce disruption to residents, motorists are advised a full road closure will be in place from 8am to 6pm on the roads detailed below:
Lansdowne Road - closed from 8am to 6pm
Park Avenue - closed from 8am to 6pm
Park Road East - closed between junctions with Park Road West/Southgate and Devon Road from 8am to 6pm
Park Road West - closed between junctions with Park Road East/Southgate and Summerfield Road from 8am to 6pm
Southgate - closed from 8am to 6pm
Access to businesses on Bath Avenue will be maintained and managed throughout the event.
Further details have been sent to those residents who will be affected by the closures.
What have organisers and city officials said about the event?
Professor Mak Sharma, Provost (Chief Academic Officer), from School of Coding and AI said: “We are delighted to be lending our support to this year’s Vaisakhi Mela.
"We are proud of our Wolverhampton roots and not only is this an important event in the Sikh calendar, it is also one of the city’s most loved and well attended cultural celebrations.
"We are very much looking forward to seeing thousands of visitors join the celebrations at West Park in May.”
Tarsem Singh, Chairman of BJS Home Delivery, added: “BJS Home Delivery are incredibly proud to support the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton for this year’s Vaisakhi celebrations.
"Vaisakhi is a powerful celebration of community, faith and service, values that strongly resonate with our own culture at BJS. As Sikhs, this is a very big celebration for us.
"As a business with deep roots in the local community, we’re honoured to play a part in such an important occasion and to help bring people together.
"Our team is looking forward to getting involved, celebrating alongside everyone, and supporting an event that means so much to so many.”
Councillor Chris Burden, Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: "We are both delighted and excited to once again celebrate Vaisakhi at West Park.
"This event is always hugely popular with an amazing line up of performers, speeches and family fun activities all delivered by the Sikh community.
"With the event only a few weeks away, preparations are underway by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton and people who live in the city, to ensure another successful celebration.
“On the day, to ensure the safety of visitors and residents, there will be 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.”
The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, said: "This yearly religious festival is such a wonderful celebration for the Sikh community and I’m delighted to be part of the event this year.
"I would encourage everyone to put the date in their diary and witness West Park come alive to the sights and sounds of the Vaisakhi Festival.”
