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Vaisakhi on the Square 2026

Crowd in front of stage at Trafalgar Square

Key information

Date: Saturday 18 April 2026

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 18 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.

Whether you’re drawn by the music, history, food, or simply the vibrant atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We can't wait to welcome you to Vaisakhi on the Square 2026!

What is 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. 

Vaisakhi on the Square Stalls applications are open!

Celebrate Vaisakhi on the Square 2026 with us in the heart of London on 18 April. This event is a cornerstone of London's cultural scene, featuring the finest arts, culture, food and music, along with a vibrant parade.  

We're inviting community groups, charities, retailers, and caterers to take part in this spectacular event in Trafalgar Square. Express your interest in hosting a stall by submitting your application now.  

If you’re interested in applying to have a stall at Vaisakhi on the Square, please email us at [email protected].  We'll email you an application form and provide additional information about the application process.   

Below you’ll find information on how to submit your application. 

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. 

If you’re interested in applying to have a stall at Vaisakhi on the Square, please email us at [email protected]. We will then email you a form and provide additional information about the application process.   

Please note, you will be required to submit documents to support your application. To do so, please email your document to [email protected] after submitting the form.  

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. 

Stage 1: Ahead of application, please ensure you have read and are comfortable with the Terms and Conditions (please email us to request a copy). 

Stage 2: Complete all parts of the application, including ticking all necessary agreements, including Terms and Conditions. 

Stage 3: Primary documentation – please attach/email all required primary supporting documentation and Terms and Conditions to [email protected] within 24 hours of application form submission. 

Please see the list below for further information. 

Stage 4: GLA review applications and issue conditional offers. 

Stage 5: Secondary documentation: If you are offered a pitch, you must submit your secondary documentation and mandatory information within a week of the offer. The GLA will share a list to shortlist applicants. 

Stage 6: Mandatory information: If successful, mandatory information will be required, including: 

  • TRACE - Caterers are required to submit sustainability information requested via Trace within 2 weeks post event. You will be sent details on how to submit this if successful. 

Stage 7: GLA issue invoice. 

Stage 8: Confirmation on receipt of final documents and payment   

You must also agree to the Terms and Conditions of operating on Trafalgar Square, a carefully managed heritage site.  

APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON THURSDAY, 26 FEBRUARY AT 23:59

As part of the application process, you’ll be required to submit a series of supporting documents. Below you can find a list of these documents. Please have these ready when submitting your application, as you will be required to email those to [email protected].  

Please attach/email all required primary supporting documentation and Terms and Conditions to [email protected] within 24 hours of application form submission. 

Required documents for traders. 

Required documents for food stalls/caterers. 

  • Copy of public liability insurance certificate (to the value of £10 million) 
  • Copy of employer’s liability insurance (if appropriate) 
  • Copy of product insurance, where applicable 
  • List of appliances on-site 
  • Copies of gas installation compliances/safety certificates (issued within 12 months by certified contractor)  
  • Copies of electrical compliances/PAT certificates for any electrical items (issued within 12 months by certified contractor) 
  • Price list 
  • Product list 
  • Images of stall, products, packaging and vehicle (as appropriate). 
  • Signed terms and conditions – download below 
  • Food Hygiene Inspection rating (must be rated 4 or above) 
  • Copy of Public Liability Insurance Certificate (to the value of £10 million) 
  • Copy of your Employers Liability Insurance (to the value of £5 million, if appropriate) 
  • Copy of products insurance (where applicable) 
  • List of appliances on-site 
  • Copies of gas installation compliances/safety certificates (issued within 12 months by certified contractor)  
  • Copies of electrical compliances/PAT certificates for any electrical items (issued within 12 months by certified contractor) 
  • Full Menu including raw/cooked food. Please note for sustainability reasons we require two vegan/vegetarian options  
  • Price list 
  • Images of stall, products, vehicle, packaging and serve ware 
  • Food Safety Management System details (HACCP or similar) 
  • Signed terms and conditions – download below 

Please send these to [email protected] and stating Trader Application Documentation and the Name of your Company by 26 February. 

Please send these to  [email protected] and stating Catering Application Documentation and the Name of your Catering Company by 26 February.  

Please note any applicant that have not submitted their supporting documents at point of submitting their applications, we will not be able to consider your application.

  • Applications and document submission deadline – Thursday 26 February at 23:59 
  • Application review and selection – W/C 2 March 
  • Offers to selected stalls W/C 2 March 
  • Deadline for secondary documents, payment, licences – 6 March 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in being part of Vaisakhi 2025 in London? 

Sponsorship opportunities are now open. Benefits include:

  • association with a key Mayoral event
  • on site branding at the iconic Trafalgar Square
  • invitation to the official launch event
  • reach and awareness across key GLA social media channels
  • platform to create compelling brand experiences

If you're interested in hearing about sponsorship opportunities at this event in London's iconic Trafalgar Square please email [email protected].


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


Highlights from 2025

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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan wishes Sikh Londoners a happy Vaisakhi.


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