THE USUALLY formal atmosphere of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery gave way to glitz and glamour when a global singing sensation rolled into the city.

Punjabi icon Gurdas Maan kicked off his UK tour by saying Happy Vaisakhi to his fans in the Midlands and supporting a Birmingham City Council programme aimed at promoting greater cohesion.

Maan, whose career spans more than 30 years, 27 albums and 200 songs, said: “I first came here in 1982 and this city has great feeling and vibrations. I feel like I am among friendly people.

“All kinds of communities live side by side and equality is at the forefront.”

Coun Alan Rudge, cabinet member for equalities and human resources, said: “Gurdas Maan is an example of how an artist can bring people together.”

Maan will be playing at Wolverhampton Civic Hall tomorrow and at the NEC next weekend.