Thousands gathered in Gravesend's town centre to celebrate the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.

Communities across Kent and South East London participated in a colourful procession through the streets of the riverside town on Saturday.

The event, organised by the Guru Nanak Darbar committee, saw the parade loop back to the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara where all were welcomed to enjoy live music, dancing and a funfair.

Among the attendees were England cricketer, Ravi Bopara, High Sheriff of Kent, Nadra Ahmed OBE DL and Gravesham Mayor, Cllr Peter Scollard.

Hundreds of pictures were shared across social media as users awed at the colourful decorations and outfits which saw a sea of gold sweep over the town.

It was also an opportunity for vital community services to come together.

Through a Facebook post, London Ambulance Service said: "We loved getting the opportunity to parade our historic fleet, share information with the public about our services, and meet lots of people from all generations, faiths and backgrounds.

"The amazing food and Bhangra music was massive bonus too!"

Another said: "Simply amazing day at Vaisakhi in Gravesend today.

"Long believed in spending a little time to learn about another, means learning more about yourself. "

Speaking after the event, Cohesion Plus CEO, Gurvinder Sandher OBE, said: "Well done to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make the celebrations such a success."

Vaisakhi is the most important day in the Sikh calendar, as it marks the birth of the Khalsa - a collective of defenders of the faith.