THOUSANDS of people are due to take part in a major annual Sikh parade through Leicester later this month.
The Nagar Kirtan procession – which marks the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi – will take place on Sunday 27 April.
Around 10,000 people are expected to join the parade, along with thousands of spectators lining the route, which runs this year runs from the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, at Holy Bones, into the city centre and back.
The event will require some rolling road closures, for a short time only, along the procession route.
This year’s route is: Holy Bones (departing at around 11.30am), Vaughan Way Slip Road, St Nicholas Circle, Southgates, Friar Lane, Berridge Street, Millstone Lane, Bowling Green Street, Bishop Street, part of Granby Street, Gallowtree and High Street, returning to Holy Bones at around 2pm.
St Nicholas Circle is due to be closed to traffic for up to three hours from 11.30am, with well signposted diversions in place. Southgates underpass will remain open to traffic during the parade.
Motorists are advised to expect delays as the procession passes through the city centre. Advanced warning signs will be in place in the days before the event.
Bus operators will also make any necessary adjustments as the procession passes along the route. Passengers for bus services that normally pick up and drop off in St Nicholas Circle are advised to use city centre stops while the Nagar Kirtan parade is taking place.