In a vibrant showcase of faith, culture, and unity, West Midlands Police hosted its inaugural Vaisakhi celebration on Saturday, May 24, at the force’s Tally Ho! training centre in Birmingham.
The landmark event marked a historic first for the police force, symbolising a renewed commitment to community engagement and cultural inclusivity. Organised by the West Midlands Police Sikh Association, ‘Vaisakhi at Tally Ho!’ drew hundreds of attendees from across the region to participate in a day steeped in tradition, service, and celebration.
The celebration commenced with a solemn and visually striking raising of the Nishaan Sahib—the sacred Sikh flag—by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) and Panj Nishaanchis. This ceremonial procession set a reverent tone for the festivities, honouring centuries-old Sikh traditions while embracing the inclusive spirit of the modern-day Midlands.
The grounds of Tally Ho! were transformed into a colourful festival space, blending sacred customs with family-friendly attractions. Attendees were treated to captivating Gatka martial arts displays, showcasing the spiritual and physical discipline of traditional Sikh warriors.
Nearby, the heart of Sikh hospitality—Langar, the free community kitchen—welcomed guests of all backgrounds to enjoy vegetarian meals, graciously provided by local Gurdwaras. The family-friendly atmosphere included a children’s zone featuring face painting, mehndi (henna art), crafts, and inflatable games, ensuring a memorable day for younger visitors.
For sports enthusiasts, there were live demonstrations of kabaddi, wrestling, weightlifting, and hockey, reflecting the robust athletic heritage within the Sikh community. The event drew notable dignitaries, including Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, who praised the initiative as a strong example of community-led policing.
They were joined by representatives from an array of Sikh organisations, including Sikh Soup Kitchen, Langar Aid, Sikh Helpline, Sikh Women’s Aid, Sikh Recovery Network, Sikh Guard, and Gurdwara Aid—all underscoring the power of grassroots partnerships in strengthening civic bonds. Sundeep Kaur Cheema, representing the West Midlands Police Sikh Association, described the event as a manifestation of Seva, the Sikh doctrine of selfless service.
“At the very core of the Vaisakhi celebration is the principle of Seva,” Cheema said.
“This event truly offered something for everyone and beautifully embodied the values of equality, service, justice, and unity.” The celebration not only provided a platform for sharing Sikh culture but also deepened engagement between local communities and the police.
Attendees had the chance to interact with various specialist teams, including firearms officers, traffic units, and even the police dog section, fostering mutual understanding and trust. This inaugural event stands as a significant step in West Midlands Police’s ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts.
By honouring Vaisakhi—a cornerstone celebration in the Sikh faith—the force has demonstrated how institutions can embrace cultural awareness as a key pillar of community policing. Organisers expressed gratitude to local Gurdwaras whose generous contributions to the Langar ensured that hundreds of attendees were well-fed and warmly welcomed throughout the day.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees and stakeholders, ‘Vat Tally Ho!’ is poised to become an annual tradition. The event not only celebrated Sikh heritage but also highlighted the strength of multiculturalism and shared civic values within the West Midlands.
As community celebrations like this continue to gain prominence, they affirm one simple truth: in diversity, there is unity, and in service, there is strength.
