It has been described as a celebration of all things Sikh.

This afternoon saw thousands of people enjoying the seventh annual Sikh Mela in Huddersfield.

The festival celebrates the best of Sikh culture, and draws crowds from across the UK to witness martial arts, sports, music and more.

It was held at the Yorkshire Lions’ Warrenside base in Deighton.

Getting ready for the races are Rajpreet , six, and Jagraj Randhawa, five
Getting ready for the races are Rajpreet , six, and Jagraj Randhawa, five

A packed programme of events included children’s rides, football, tug of war, weight lifting, food and drink, stalls and raffles.

Other highlights at the event were an American SWAT team demo, a strongman competition and a birds of prey show. There was also a gatka (Sikh sword fighting) display.

And there were a number of live performances including K.S. Bhamrah, Jazz Sahota, and Golden Roots.

Sikh Mela organisers meeting visiting veterans, from left, Surgeet Singh Notay, Ian Williams, David Thomas and Kaluinder Tim Bhullar
Sikh Mela organisers meeting visiting veterans, from left, Surgeet Singh Notay, Ian Williams, David Thomas and Kaluinder Tim Bhullar

Thousands of people went to the alcohol-free and meat-free event during the day. Organisers said the atmosphere was ‘very good’.

The Mela provided the opportunity for young people to show off their talents in the boxing ring.

Richard Smith, who runs a Thai boxing gym in Leeds, said the event showcased the Thai boxing skills of young boxers.

"It was just like a temple show in Thailand," he added.

People took to social media to report on the community event.

Gurraj Singh Gill said: “It is always a special event. There were about 2,000 people in the first hour or two, and then the crowds really began to build up.”