Sizzling music from Punjabi and Bhangra artists will kick off the Vaisakhi Festival in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 5 May.
A highlight of the capital's celebrations for the Sikh New Year, all Londoners are invited to the free event, which includes live music and entertainment.
Vaisakhi is celebrated by 20 million people across the world and is the holiest day in the Sikh calendar. Backed by the Mayor of London, the celebrations in Trafalgar Square are an opportunity for people of all faiths and backgrounds to experience Sikh culture, which practises equality and respect for all religions.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “Our Vaisakhi Festival in Trafalgar Square is an opportunity for all Londoners to celebrate together. It is a festival celebrated by millions of Sikhs around the world and the values of respect and generosity for people of all faiths and creeds is one that is very relevant to our great city. To everyone heading to the square this year, have a wonderful day. Happy Vaisakhi.”
The day will offer fun for all with music, dance, food and children’s activities, such as arts and crafts and face painting. The musical line up line-up features Channi Singh of Alaap, Shin from UK Bhangra legends DCS and Navin Kundra, who has achieved six UK Asian chart toppers.
Also performing is Juggy D, aka the 'Punjabi Rockstar', Foji, Bhangra superstar of the UK Asian download chart, and Phat Kat, presenting the sound of London's Asian youth. The talented Heera Group, who helped pioneer British Bhangra, will be playing, as well as Kishan Amin, tipped as the next big Bollywood star.
With top musical artists and DJs also performing, Trafalgar Square will be buzzing with dance and activity. This vibrant event is free for all to attend and is organised by the Mayor of London, working with Sony Entertainment Network and sponsor Lebara.
Tony Lit, VP - Head of Europe for Sony Entertainment Network commented: “Sony Entertainment Network has always been committed to providing the South Asian community with quality entertainment, and are proud to be supporting the Mayor of London as media partner of this year’s Vaisakhi in Trafalgar Square.
“We have arranged a very special day for all our Sikh viewers visiting the event with an unforgettable list of legendary performers to celebrate the new year. Wishing everyone a Happy Vaisakhi and a wonderful family day out.”
Justin Cockerill, Managing Director for Lebara Mobile UK, said; “As one of the most symbolic dates in the Sikh Calendar, we are extremely proud to be one of the main sponsors of the hugely popular Mayor of London Vaisakhi celebration. Lebara Mobile’s success is built on its commitment to provide services which bring our customers closer to their friends, family and community – being associated with such a celebratory event allows us to connect with the communities we serve. We wish all our Sikh customers a very special Vaisakhi and look forward to celebrating with them Vaisakhi at Trafalgar Square.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Event: Vaisakhi Festival Date: Sunday 5 May 2013 Time: 12pm – 6pm Venue: Trafalgar Square Entry: FREE – ALL WELCOME
1. Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, is the holiest day of the calendar for Sikhs worldwide and usually falls on 13 April. On this day in 1699, Sikhism was born as a collective faith. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Master of the Sikhs, initiated the Sikhs as the Khalsa or the pure and sincere. He bound the Sikhs to a strict code of conduct and, with unshorn hair, beard and turban, gave the Sikhs a distinct identity. Additional information can be found at www.london.gov.uk/vaisakhi.
2. The artist line up on the day includes: • Channi Singh of Alaap • Heera • Juggy D • Navin Kundra • Shin of DCS • Avina Shah • Kishan Amin • Phat Kat • Badal • San 2 • Asli Baharan Punjab Diyan (APBD) • Foji • Punjabi & Bhangra folk dancers