Thousands of Sikhs celebrated the religious festival of Vaisakhi with a town centre procession on Saturday.

The festival symbolises the start of the new year and is also believed to be the date that the religon was founded.

Musicians, dancers and flag bearers were among thousands who left the Guru Nanak Gurdwara at 11.30am.

The procession took place in town centre streets before Sikh leaders met civic leaders and police chiefs at 1pm in Community Square.

The festival was organised in consultation with Gravesham council and Kent Police although road closures were arranged by Sikh leaders.

For pictures and full coverage read this week's Gravesend Messenger out this Thursday.