Diwali Day

About

Celebrate Diwali Day in Leicester with a full programme of activities to commemorate the 40th anniversary. Exciting new additions to the event have been produced and commissioned by Inspirate, with support from Arts Council England, bringing the wow factor to your celebrations.

As night falls entertainment begins at the brand-new Stage of Light on Cossington Recreation Ground which will be illuminated with a spectacular display of lasers shooting across the park. DJ Amrita Kalsi will be onstage with an energetic DJ set combining modern and contemporary Bhangra beats, until the much-anticipated DJ set from Mercury Music Prize Winner, Talvin Singh.

The Diwali Truck, located on the corner of Wand Street, will provide a visual feast for the eyes as shadow puppets create an intriguing fusion of light and dark, accompanied by contemporary sounds, blending east and west.

Across the Golden Mile our programme of family friendly street theatre and processions begin with a joyful parade of 100 lanterns. Enjoy a visual spectacle of giant puppetry, dance and storytelling alongside beautifully decorated rickshaws that will help you to dance your way through the celebrations.

The main stage will return to Belgrave Road, presented by Leicester Hindu Festival Council with traditional music and dance for all the family to enjoy.

The Diwali Village at Cossington Street Recreation Ground will be packed to the brim with fashion, arts, crafts and children’s funfair plus tantalising traditional Indian snacks, delicious curries and drinks from across the Indian subcontinent.

To give warmth to the Diwali Village a mesmerising Neon Waterfall features alongside the glowing Fire Garden to create an oasis of calm, bringing peace and light over dark. This year the Diwali Village is kindly sponsored by LIDL GB.​​​​ Come and see them Sunday 12 November at Cossington Recreation Ground, Enjoy Diwali crafts, henna art and Lidl goodies as they wish everyone a Happy Diwali!

Be sure to enjoy a ride on Leicester’s Wheel of Light, lighting up the streets at night providing a birds-eye view of the spectacular lights along Belgrave Road.

The grand finale to our 40th anniversary celebrations will be Leicester’s spectacular fireworks…like never before! Immerse yourself in an incredible soundtrack that has been especially created to accompany the fireworks. Created and produced by Arun Ghosh, an internationally renowned composer and musician, this year’s display will be a multisensory experience that reflects his unique style, illuminating the sky with an energetic fusion. 

Key Timings:

3pm – 9pm                        Diwali Village

5pm                                   Parade of Light Procession

5pm – 8pm                        Rickshaw Sound Systems

5pm – 8.30pm                   Main Stage

5pm - 9pm                         Neon Waterfall

5pm - 9pm                         Fire Garden

5.30pm & 7pm                   Ancient Giants

5.30pm - 8.30pm               Stage of Light

6pm – 8pm                        Diwali Truck Stage

7.30pm                              Fireworks Display and Soundtrack

7.40pm                              Talvin Singh (DJ set)

Stay tuned on the Diwali page for more updates and events, find out more in the 2023 Diwali Guide ​​​​​, and for more information on other Leicester Festivals taking place during Winter 2023, make sure you're following on social media:

twitter.com/leicesterfest

facebook.com/leicesterfestivals

instagram.com/leicesterfest