Please note that this event has already occured.
Key information
Date: Saturday 19 April 2025
Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: Free
About the event
Join us at Trafalgar Square on Saturday 19 April, from 12pm to 6pm, for Vaisakhi on the Square – a celebration of Sikh culture, heritage, and the founding of the Khalsa. This free, family-friendly event offers vibrant performances, cultural activities, delicious food, and a warm community spirit. It’s a day everyone can enjoy.
In the welcoming spirit of Langar, everyone is invited to share free vegetarian treats and traditional Indian tea, reflecting Sikh values of kindness, inclusivity, and community.
Co-hosted by entrepreneur and disability advocate Shani Dhanda and DJ, radio presenter, and performer Sukhi Bart, the event promises a rich and lively programme showcasing both traditional and contemporary Sikh culture.
The musical programme will feature kirtan performances by Qi Rattan and Taren Kaur, filling the square with peaceful and uplifting melodies that resonate with the festival’s spirit of unity and reflection. Spectacular demonstrations of gatka, a traditional Sikh martial art, will ramp up the energy, captivating audiences with dynamic displays of skill and discipline, enhanced by the powerful drumming of The Dhol Academy.
A variety of activities will be available throughout the day, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can experience turban tying demonstrations, explore contemporary and traditional art displays created by Sikh artists, and the Sikh Games, a celebration of sport, strength, and community. A children’s marquee, hosted by Sikh Colouring, will offer creative and fun activities for the whole family.
This year’s event also offers a deeper exploration of Sikh history through a special exhibition and live podcast recording focused on Maharajah Ranjit Singh and the formation of the Khalsa in 1699.
Organised by the Mayor of London, events on Trafalgar Square celebrate the rich diversity of our city and the Londoners of all backgrounds, faiths, and walks of life who are loved and wanted here.
Whether you’re drawn by the music, history, food, or simply the vibrant atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Vaisakhi on the Square - BSL video
Easy read document
Transcript BSL video
About Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It represents the establishment of the Khalsa Panth (Nation) by the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
A principle passed on by Guru Gobind Singh Ji was recognising the whole human race as one – regardless of faith, background or gender.
For many Vaisakhi represents the birth of the Sikh identity.
Specifically, Vaisakhi is marked by a Nagar Kirtan. This is a procession of the Sikh community from one gurdwara (temple) to another. It often features spiritual hymns (kirtan), langar (food) and Gatka, a Sikh martial art.
Learn more about Vaisakhi
To learn more about Vaisakhi and it's importance to Sikhism, visit the 'What Is Vaisakhi?' marquee at the event, run by Basics of Sikhi.
Event programme
Join our hosts, Shani Dhanda and Sukhi Bart, for a spectacular line on the main stage:
- Orchestra band
- Welcome and introduction
- Atam Academy performance
- Qi Rattan
- Vaisakhi talk - Basics of Sikhi part 1
- Khalsa Kids Jatha
- Dhol Academy
- Gatka (Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara)
- Taren Kaur
- Langar talk
- Turban Style demo
- Vaisakhi talk - Basics of Sikhi part 2
- Dhol Academy
- Gatka (Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara)
- G.S. Nawapindiya
- Turban tying - ChardiKala Turban Academy
- The Sikh Games
- Sarkaar-e-Khalsa podcast and exhibition
- What is Vaisakhi?
- Children's activities by Sikh Colouring
- Arts marquee
Food stalls:
- Oh Babu
- Thainese Street Food
- EMA Ice Cream
- Traditional Spanish Churros
Join us for free vegetarian treats at our Langar marquee and traditional Indian tea, reflecting Sikh values of kindness, inclusivity, and community.
Communities, charities and retailers:
- British Sikh Nurses
- BTP Sikh Association
- Defence Sikh Network
- Guru Guide Me
- Jaskomal Foundation
- Khalsa Aid
- Khalsa Fostering
- Sahara Sisterhood
Plan your visit
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Video describing what to expect at our event
We will do our best to make sure you feel welcome and enjoy our event. Our event staff and volunteers are here to help with any questions you might have.
When you arrive, our stewards and Team London volunteers will greet you. Our Team London volunteers will be wearing purple high-visibility jackets and are ready to answer any questions. There will also be clear signs to help guide you around the event. Please note, we will conduct a bag search at the entrance for everyone attending.
The event has a level access entrance, and it is wheelchair accessible. All paths are accessible for wheelchair users and there is a lift that connects the North Terrace to the Main Square. Stewards will be there to help you find your way. Assistance dogs are welcome too.
The festival can get busy. If being in crowds is difficult for you, you can use our accessible viewing area. It is located on the north terrace of Trafalgar Square. This area has hearing loop facilities for the performances on the main stage, and chairs are available for companions and anyone who needs to sit.
All shows with speech on the main stage will have a British Sign Language interpreter. You can see this on the screen on the right side of the main stage.
The event may be loud at times due to music and performances. If you need ear defenders, you can ask for them at our information point or speak to a volunteer for help.
The event is relaxed. You can join or leave at any time and move around as you like. You do not need to be quiet.
In addition to toilets, we will also have Mobiloo accessible toilet at the event. This toilet has a hoist and a changing table. If you need to use the hoist, please bring your own sling for safety and convenience. You can find more information on Mobiloo’s website: www.mobiloo.org.uk.
If you need any help on the day with more information about the event, just ask one of our stewards or volunteers, and they will be happy to assist you.
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Video describing how to get to Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is easy to reach by public transport, including buses, the Tube, and national rail services.
Tube
The nearest Underground station with step-free access from platform to street level is Westminster Station, which is served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. From Westminster Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Trafalgar Square.
Charing Cross Underground Station is the closest Tube station and is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines. However, please note that this station does not have step-free access.
Bus
Bus routes that stop close to Trafalgar Square include:
Routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 23, 87, 88, 91, 139, and 176, with most buses having wheelchair access.
For accessible travel options, including step-free routes and Dial-A-Ride services, you can visit the TfL (Transport for London) website for maps and to plan your journey: tfl.gov.uk.
National Rail
The nearest railway station is Charing Cross. It is 325 metres away, approximately 3 minutes’ walk. Charing Cross rail station offers step-free access and a step-free route to Trafalgar Square.
Accessible parking
The surrounding area on Trafalgar Square can get very busy on the day of the event, so we recommend you take public transport if you're visiting the event. If you’re unable to take public transport for accessibility reasons, accessible parking is available near Trafalgar Square.
There are Blue Badge parking spaces on St Martin’s Street, located next to the National Gallery. Please be aware that these spaces are around 250 metres from the National Gallery. There are three designated Blue Badge parking bays available here.
For more information on parking, you can contact the Westminster Parking Information Service on 020 7823 4567. The helpline is open Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 8pm. To find other blue badge parking bays nearby, you can find disabled Blue Badge bays on the City of Westminster’s website using the postcode WC2N 5DN.
51.50787541997, -0.12809140000001
Our sponsors
Title partner
Remitly - Remitly helps you send money worldwide and pay using your bank account, credit card, or debit card.
Official partner
Elephant Atta - As the nation’s favourite Atta, we enjoy being involved with the community we are a part of, extending our family to all of yours.
