The wet weather held off but around 11,000 worshippers flooded the streets of Newham to celebrate the Sikh march for Vaisakhi.

There was even some sunshine beaming down on the occasion as thousands turned out for the Indian festival originating in the Punjab region.

Vaisakhi is the holiest day of the year for over 20m Sikhs worldwide as it commemorates the birth of their religion and the harvest festival.

The procession, stretching from Green Street all the way down to Romford Road, was very colourful with drums and music while food and drink was given out for free, as is usual within Sikhism.

Labour London Mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone was present at the celebrations along with other Labour colleagues including Greater London Assembly Member for City and East John Biggs, Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales, East Ham MP Stephen Timms, West Ham MP Lyn Brown and Councillor Unmesh Desai.