A glittering kaleidoscope of colours greeted a Kent town as thousands came together to celebrate Vaisakhi.

More than 5,000 took part in the Naggar Kirtan (procession) which made its way through Gravesend town centre on Saturday.

There were two distinct sections to the procession, religious and cultural.

Led by the Panj Piary, or beloved five, dressed in saffron coloured robes and turbans, the religious part saw the Sikh’s holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, being recited as it paraded through the streets, together with an effigy of the golden temple.

Then came 25 floats, featuring the musical groups as well as floats representing the Asian Welfare Society, Kent Police and Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

Crowds were entertained by impressive Gatka martial arts displays, hypnotic music played by sound system Lethal Soundz, and energetic drumming and dancing from the Four by Four Bhangra Youth Club and Jugnu Bhangra Group.

A staggering £150,000 was also donated by memebers of the community to help fund the new £11.5 million Gurdwara being built in Khalsa Avenue.

Gurvinder Sandher, assistant director of North West Kent Racial Equality Council, said: "The Vaisakhi Celebrations have evolved greatly over the years, so that it is a celebration not just for the Sikh community but a celebration of the excellent community relations that we enjoy here in Gravesham. I feel that much credit needs to be given to the Guru Nanak Darbar Management Committee and our partners Kent Police and Gravesham Borough Council for all their hard work and commitment in putting this fantastic event together."

Full reports and more pictures in this week's Gravesend Messenger