Thousands of people are set to take part in a colourful procession through a town centre to celebrate the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.

Whether you are a Gravesend resident or planning on participating, here is everything you should know ahead of this weekend's festivities.

What is Vaisakhi?

Vaisakhi is a global celebration of the creation of the Khalsa – a collective of committed Sikhs who are leaders and defenders of the Sikh way.

What is the celebration this weekend?

Though Vaisakhi will officially take place today, Gravesend's major celebrations will commence this Saturday.

The event is expected to attract thousands of people from varying Sikh communities across Kent and south east London as they rejoice and celebrate the birth of their collective faith with music and colourful outfits.

The day will begin with a procession, called Nagar Kirtan, through the town followed by a religious festival known as Dharmic Mela at the grounds of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara.

There will lots of loud music and singing during the festivities in the streets.

When and where will the procession be?

The Nagar Kirtan will begin at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gravesend at 11.30am with the five beloved, also known as the Panj Pyare, leading the group through Sandlington street, towards the town centre.

The route will then pass Ravidas Gurdwara on Brandon Street, then through Clarence Place, past the old Gurdwara site and then down Wellington Street.

Finally, the crowd will return to the Gurdwara by 2pm, looping back to its starting location where attendees can enjoy religious singing and music on stage and a funfair.

The parade will be supported by Kent Police, Gravesham council, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, St John Ambulance and other voluntary groups.

What should I expect to see in the streets?

Behind the five leading the procession, participants and spectators can expect to see five flag bearers, followed by holy Sikh scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib on a special model of the the Golden Temple, known as Darbar Sahib.

The congregation, called the Sangat will be following closely behind either on foot or on community floats. Also in the crowd will be a Sikh martial arts group, folk dancers, Jugnu bhangra and various charities.

Which roads will be closed?

There will be rolling road closure as the procession follows the planned route, although travel disruptions should still be expected.

The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara management committee said: "The closures will be kept to a minimum, and controlled by traffic marshals who will implement a plan agreed with Kent Police and Gravesham council.

"Roads will be re-opened as soon as the procession has passed the relevant points."

I'm not Sikh. Can I still go?

Yes, you do not have to be Sikh to participate in the procession or the planned celebrations at the Gurdwara.

"Everyone is welcome to come and join the festivities." said the Guru Nanak Darbar committee.

How should I prepare for the event?

"Car parks at the Gurdwara will fill up early and we ask that people either walk to the Gurdwara, use public transport, or park in other car parks near by, such as Lord Street Car Park," advised the committee.