VAISAKHI IN THE SQUARE 24th April 2005 11.30am – 5.00pm Trafalgar Square London WC2N 5DP Admission: Free

The Mayor of London is to welcome the third annual Vaisakhi festival celebrations to Trafalgar Square. Vaisakhi is the holiest day of the Sikh calendar and has particular significance for the Sikh community as a commemoration of the birth of the Sikh nation. The free event will commence with a religious programme from 11.30, followed by an afternoon programme of traditional and modern Asian music, performance and food.

Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor, will address the gathering during the welcoming speeches and take part in a presentation ceremony honouring former Sikh Olympic athletes. Kulbir Baura, Gold Medal winner (Hockey) for Britain in 1988 and Avtar Singh Sohal, former Kenyan Hockey team captain (who participated in the Olympic Games of 1960 - 72) will be amongst those making special guest appearances.

Langar (holy food) will be served free to all from 1.00pm onwards.

This year’s celebrations have been organised in partnership with the Vaisakhi in London Committee and supported by the Mayor of London. ends

VAISKAHI PROGRAMME

11.30am – 1.30pm Religious programme
1.30pm – 2.00pm Classical music
2.00pm – 3.00pm Sunrise Radio Cultural programme, with guest PA’s and DJ’s
3.00pm – 3.30pm Welcoming Speeches: Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor of London,
Atma Singh, Adviser on Asian Affairs for the Mayor, Presentation ceremony to honour former Sikh Olympians.
3.30pm – 5.00pm Sunrise Radio Cultural programme, with guest PA’s and DJ’s.

Artists performing in the Sunrise Radio Cultural programme during the afternoon will include Sahara, Malkit Singh and Asli Baharan Panjab Diya.