Preston was alive with the colour and sounds of the city’s Sikh community.

Nagar Kirtan saw a parade through the streets of St Matthews, Deepdale and the city centre.

Members of the Tunbridge Street Gurdwara celebrated the annual event with orange robes and swords drawn.

A spokesman for the Sikh group said: “Nagar Kirtan is a Sikh custom involving the processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community. While practiced at any time, it is customary in the month of Vaisakhi.

“Traditionally, the procession is led by the saffron-robed Panj Pyare (the five beloved of the Guru), who are followed by the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy Sikh scripture, which is placed on a float.

“Commonly, members of the procession are unshod in deference to the displayed scripture. Likewise, many cover their heads and don the colour saffron or orange. The road before the procession is cleared by Sewadars.

“Bystanders bow their heads to the scripture. Food may be provided to them from floats that follow the Scripture or from stationary points near the vicinity of the procession. The procession concludes at the Gurudwara with Ardas.”

The procession on Sunday (19 May) made its way from the Sikh temple in Tunbridge Street, into Ribbleton Lane, up Church Street and onto the Flag Market.

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Members of the Sikh community from Lancashire, Manchester, Doncaster and the South East all attended.

Once the procession finished a service took place on the Flag Market with the Sikh tradition of Langar, served up food to all.

Mayor of Preston councillor David Borrow was in attendance .