Road Closures Announced for Birmingham and Sandwell's Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan Festival
This weekend, the vibrant Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan procession will take over streets in Birmingham and Sandwell, celebrating the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi. The annual event marks the anniversary of the founding of the Sikh order of the Khalsa, where followers are baptised. A huge crowd is expected to participate in the colourful parade, which will be led by Sikhs dressed in ceremonial attire representing the original Panj Pyare who established the Khalsa.
Procession Schedule and Route Details
The parade is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, running throughout the day from 9.30am to 6pm. It will begin at Gurdwara Babe Ke in Hockley, Birmingham, and make its way down Soho Road before concluding in Smethwick. Key stops along the route include:
- Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha in Handsworth at 10.20am
- Shri Guru Ravidass Bhawan at 11am
- Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed at 11.40am
- Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick at 1.15pm
- Gurdwara Baba Sang Ji at 2.15pm
Road Closures and Transport Impact
Transport for West Midlands has issued warnings about rolling road closures during the event. In Birmingham, between 10am and 11am, affected roads include A41 Soho Hill, A41 Soho Road, Hockley Circus Roundabout exit onto A41 Northbound, and multiple surrounding streets such as Naden Road, Hampstead Road, and Stratford Road. Bus services 16, 16A, 74, 101, 11A, and 11C may experience delays or diversions.
In Smethwick, rolling closures will be in place from 11am to 2.30pm, impacting roads like Grove Lane, Tara Lane, Linwood Road, and A457 Tollhouse Way. Additional closures from 10.30am to 3pm affect Booth Street and Rolfe Street, while B4169 High Street and St Paul's Road will be closed from 1pm to 6pm. Bus services 54/A, 80, 87, and 89 could face disruptions, and some one-way roads will temporarily run in both directions.
Residents and commuters are advised to plan ahead for potential delays and consider alternative routes. The event showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Sikh community, drawing thousands to the streets for a day of celebration and reflection.
