An afternoon of three fascinating talks by eminent Sikh Historians at Thetford Library, in celebration of the Festival of Thetford & Punjab 2024. Come along for the whole afternoon or just drop in for one or two! Free event, but booking recommended (follow the links for each of the talks below):

12.00pm
Punjabi Stories: A talk by Rav Singh

Join Rav Singh, the founder of A Little History of the Sikhs, as he presents Punjabi stories from around the world, hopping from location to location, from Lahore to Paris, Budapest to Blo-Norton! Book your tickets here

1.15pm
The Indian Army at Hampton Court Palace
A Talk by Dr Tejpal Singh Ralmill

Over 4000 soldiers from the Indian Army visited Hampton Court Palace in Southwest London during the period of 1902 to 1937 to take part in coronations and peace parades. In this talk Community curator Dr Tejpal Singh Ralmill tells us about a new exhibition in London, which explores the forgotten story of Indian Army soldiers who camped at Hampton Court Palace in the early 20th century. Soldiers from the Indian Army camped at Hampton Court Palace on a number of occasions. They were invited to join the coronation celebrations of Edward VII (1902), George V (1911) and George VI (1937) as well as the First World War peace parades in 1919. For some, this would have been their first visit to England. Book your place here

2.30pm
Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King
A Talk by Davinder Toor

Join guest curator and collector Davinder Toor for this special introduction to the Wallace Collection’s major exhibition exploring the life of the great Sikh leader Ranjit Singh (1780–1839). With an unwavering sense of destiny, Ranjit Singh conquered the Punjab, an area that today encompasses Pakistan, following a period of anarchy caused by decades of Afghan invasions. Ranjit Singh’s leadership led to a golden age marked by thriving trade, flourishing arts, and a formidable army. By the early 19th century, he emerged as the undisputed Maharaja, establishing the influential Sikh Empire. Book your place here

This event is part of the Festival of Thetford & Punjab 2024, a programme of cultural celebrations inspired by the life and legacy of the Duleep Singh family, the last Royal Family of the Punjab who lived in Elveden near Thetford. Join us in Thetford for talks, workshops, curry nights and activities for all to enjoy, as well as the Thetford Mela, the grand Festival Finale on Sunday.

Find out more at http://thetfordpunjabfest.com