Diwali in Leicester

Diwali looks slightly different in Leicester this year, and it will be focused on two weeks of fantastic events around the city. Diwali lights will illuminate the road, and the Wheel of Light will also return.

In the lead up to Diwali Day, Leicester will sparkle with two weeks of festivities from Monday 6 to Monday 20 October, with a vibrant programme of events offered across the city.

You can find all the details in the official Diwali Guide here, but we’ve picked out some of the top things to see and do in Leicester this Diwali.

On Monday 20 October, to enable people to safely visit restaurants, shops and celebrate with families on the Golden Mile, Belgrave Road will be closed to traffic. The Wheel of Light will provide the perfect viewpoint to take in the Diwali lights and will be open from Friday 10 October to Sunday 2 November.

A brand new piece of street art is turning an unloved corner of Leicester’s Golden Mile into a spotlight for Diwali celebrations. The design features twin tigers ridden by two women in traditional South Asian dress and celebrates the South Asian community which has made this part of Leicester its home.

Inspirate are behind the artwork, which can be found on the corner of Doncaster Road and Melton Road. The mural is a new addition to a fantastic programme of events for We Bring Light, including a documentary, lantern displays by schoolchildren, a city-wide postcard campaign, and the creation of a digital archive.

Find out more at www.webringlight.co.uk  

Highcross are hosting a fantastic FREE Diwali Bazaar on 18 & 19 October. Inside the old TopMan unit, there will be 25 market stalls offering festive gifts, traditional clothing, bangle and bindis and of course delicious Indian sweets and treats. There will also be cultural performances, workshops and community activities. Register for free tickets at www.diwalibazaar.com

Also at Highcross, experience the Diwali Light Garden from Monday 20 to Friday 24 October. Wander through a glowing display of lights and take part in special hands-on activity to make a diva candle and celebrate the spirit of light and togetherness.

On Tuesday 21^st and Wednesday 22^nd October join Pedestrian for 2 days of street art fun inspired by Diwali. Learn spray skills and create your own street art in a safe environment. Reserve a place here

Rangoli is one of the centrepieces of Indian festivities and this year from Saturday 18 to Monday 20 October Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre will host fantastic designs created by visionary Milan Arvindkumar and a team of local aspiring artisits. This exhibition has been running for 15 years and is a fantastic demonstration of artistic skills as a range of huge and impressive sand art pieces come together.

On Saturday 18 October from 11am to 4pm the Haymarket are hosting a fantastic Diwali craft session. There will be a puppet-making workshop, the chance to make a Diwali lantern plus a student dance performances.

Come along to Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre on Saturday 18 October and bring your family and friends to enjoy the breath-taking River of Lights display, on the water paddle performance and a variety of family activities including bell boating, high ropes & crafts.

The event runs from 5.30-8pm at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre. Entrance is free but there is a charge for drinks. Paddle and high ropes activities will be available at a discounted rate, bookable on the night. There is no parking on-site so please use public transport if you can.

A fantastic performance by local children at the Peepul Centre that will get you in the mood for Diwali. The Enchanted Diwali Tree brings to life the story of the magical Sanjivani (Bay Tree). This recreation of the beautiful Rama-Sita love story from the Ramayana will bring to life Hanuman’s journey across the seas to revive the unconscious Lakshman. At 3pm on Sunday 19 October. Book your seats here.

At the Curve Theatre on Sunday 12 October, Nupur Arts present a dazzling showcase of South Asian Classical dance performed by some of the UK’s very best artists. Get ready to be swept away by ancient, mythological storytelling. Book your ticket here

At Leicester Cathedral on Saturday 18 October enjoy an evening of Indian classical by outstanding UK-based musicians, featuring the brilliant Roopa Panesar on Sitar, Bangalore Prakash on the Ghatam & Gurdain Ryatt on Tabla, in a unique blending of tradition and modernity. More info here

On Saturday 11 October, the LCB Depot and Curve will be celebrating the Festival of Light as the monthly Cultural Quarter Earliers family event focuses on Diwali. Loads of free creative workshops, live music, storytelling plus arts and crafts will be taking place all day long.

Get ready for the UK’s biggest indoor Diwali Shopping Festival at the Ramgharia Community Centre, not far from the iconic Golden Mile! On 12 October, you can expect dazzling fashion, sparkling jewellery, festive décor, traditional gifts, and delicious food. With stalls from across the UK, exclusive giveaways, cultural entertainment, and thousands of attendees, this is your one-stop destination for all things Diwali. Tickets available here