Huge crowds are expected in Hounslow this Sunday (March 29) for a parade marking one of the highlights of the Sikh calendar.

The streets will be awash with orange as the Vaisakhi procession once again winds its way through the borough's streets to the sound of beating drums.

More than 7,000 people attended last year's lively celebrations and similar numbers are expected this weekend for the annual parade, now in its 17th year.

The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan will leave the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, in Hanworth Road, Hounslow, at 1pm.

Participants will head west to the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, in Martindale Road, Hounslow, where they are due to stop briefly at 3.45pm. They will then return to the starting point, where celebrations are set to continue until 7.45pm.

The route of this year's Vaisakhi procession through Hounslow

Road closures will be in place during the procession and drivers have been warned to expect delays in the area.

Vaisakhi is a harvest festival commemorating the initiation of the first five members of the brotherhood of the Khalsa, which took place on April 13, 1699 - a key date in the development of the Sikh faith.

It is credited as the origin of the five Ks which gives Amritdhari, or baptised, Sikhs their unique look: kesh (uncut) hari, kanga (wooden comb), kachera (special breeches), kirpan (sword) and karra (iron bracelet).

Vaisakhi will take place on April 14 this year but is being celebrated early as usual in Hounslow.