A Coalville Sikh celebration is becoming so popular that a larger venue may have to be found for future events.

The "pop-up Gurdwara" was held last weekend at the Hall Lane Methodist Church after being started in Coalville by the family of Kirat Sandhu, who moved to the town from Leicester just over two years ago.

It is one of the most important and revered Sikh festivals - which commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus. 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Sikhs celebrate this festival with great devotion and enthusiasm. 

The celebrations typically include reading and singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib - the holy scripture of Sikhism, kirtans (spiritual songs), and special community meals known as langar, which are served to people of all backgrounds to promote equality and inclusivity. 

It is a time for Sikhs to reflect on Guru Nanak's teachings, which emphasise one God, equality, and social justice.

Kirat says that it came about because Coalville and North West Leicestershire did not have such a event, compared to Loughborough or Leicester.

He said: "We've always held it at Hall Lane, but with the size of it now, we're probably outgrowing it a little bit.

"Going forward, we'll probably end up looking for a bigger place.

"It's not just for people in Coalville, we're also talking about Ashby, Kegworth and Castle Donington, places like that.

"Me and my dad felt that, instead of people having to go to the Loughborough Gurdwara, or Leicester, why don't we just do something here? Just hire a church out and get everyone together.

"So that people know they're not alone. There are others in the area that are new. 

"It also helps especially with the mental health side of things.

"It's great to open up your arms a little bit and say, 'Look, we're doing this'. Come along, and talk to people - just mingle."

"Last weekend's celebration was attended by the Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner, Rupert Matthews, who said: "I was delighted to attend the 'pop-up gurdwara' event in Coalville.

"The ceremony celebrated Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab, one of the most sacred festivals for Sikhs. 

"This is a great initiative to provide for the spiritual needs of the Sikh residents of North West Leicestershire and I was privileged to attend. My thanks to Kirat Sandhu for inviting me."

Leicestershire County Councillor Craig Smith, who is the Conservative Party's candidate at the next General Election, has also supported the event in the past.

He said: "I've been privileged to attend the 'pop up Gurdwara' in the past, unfortunately this time around I couldn't attend in person due to attending the Remembrance Service at the Clock tower in Coalville. 

"I have met many from the Sikh community and they have integrated within North West Leicestershire amazingly.

"They own businesses, work in the area, live in the area and ensure they give back to the area. 

"These events are organised twice a year, and it's great to see the entire Sikh community getting together and celebrating their religious milestones together and also, warmly welcoming people from diverse backgrounds. 

"It's great to see different cultures within North West Leicestershire continuing to pursue their roots and keeping their culture alive. 

Coalville-based county councillor Craig Smith supported a previous celerbation

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish all those that were celebrating a Happy Gurpurab and a Happy Bandi Choor Divas - which is also known as Diwali."

Hall Lane Methodist Church management said: "The Mission of Hall Lane Methodist Church is to share our faith in God - and his love for us, with the community around us. 

"Our relationship with our Sikh friends enables us to show that though our styles of worship are very different, our love of God is exactly the same. 

"There is a hymn which says, 'all are welcome in this place'. And we at Hall Lane say AMEN to that!"