A huge celebration for the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi returns this Saturday.

Thousands are expected to take part in the vibrant procession through Gravesend’s streets and with everyone welcome to join in, here is everything you need to know ahead of the weekend.

What is Vaisakhi?

Vaisakhi is a global celebration of the creation of the Khalsa – a collective of committed Sikhs who are leaders and defenders of the Sikh way.

In 1699, the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, asked for anyone who was prepared to give their life for their religion.

Five young men stepped forward one by one, and came back wearing turbans - they became the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved.

The guru then initiated them, and so they became the first members of the Khalsa.

To commemorate Vaisakhi, celebrations take place in Gravesend every year and are organised by the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Management Team.

What can I expect to see this weekend?

More than 5,000 people are expected to participate in this weekend's festivities.

A flag-raising ceremony took place last Saturday but the biggest celebrations will kick off this Saturday morning as Sikhs from communities across Kent and southeast London take to Gravesend’s streets for a colourful procession called Nagar Kirtan.

After, from 2pm to 6pm, there will be a religious festival, known as Dharmic Mela, in the gurdwara grounds with religious songs and stage music.

There will be a funfair and stalls representing local and national charities, businesses and agencies.

On Sunday morning, there will be a celebratory service (Gurpub) at the gurdwara.

When and where will the procession be?

The procession will leave the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Guru Nanak Marg at 11.30am and head towards Saddington Street.

The route will then go through Gravesend town centre and past the Ravidas Gurdwara in Brandon Street.

It will then pass the old gurdwara in Clarence Place, and then go down Wellington Street.

The parade will loop back to the gurdwara with an expected arrival of 2pm.

Charity ellenor hospice and bus company Arriva will be providing minibus transport for Sikh community members with mobility issues so they can take part in the procession.

What can I expect to see in the streets?

The procession will be led by the five beloved, flag bearers and Sikh holy scriptures - called the Guru Granth Sahib - which will be carried on a model of the Golden Temple in Punjab.

The rest of the congregation (Sangat) will follow them from behind on foot, or on floats.

There will be lots of music, singing and dancing amid a sea of colour.

During the parade, the ellenor catering team will serve a selection of egg-free cakes and sweet treats and a team from Tesco will also be handing out free food.

The procession will be supported by Kent Police, Gravesham council, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and St John Ambulance.

Which roads will be closed?

There will be rolling road closures around the town centre as the procession passes.

A spokesperson for the gurdwara said: “The closures will be kept to a minimum, and controlled by traffic marshals who will implement a plan agreed with Kent Police and Gravesham Borough Council.”

Roads will be reopened as soon as the procession has passed.

How should I prepare?

The Gurdwara Car Park is likely to fill up very early.

“We suggest people park in nearby car parks such as Saddington Street and walk to the gurdwara,” said a spokesperson for the gurdwara. Public transport is also a good option.

Who can participate?

You do not need to be Sikh to take part in the Vaisakhi plans this weekend.

The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara management team said: “Everyone is welcome to come and join the festivities.”