A colourful festival of light will bring music, food, and fireworks to the heart of a North East town.
The annual Diwali celebration returns to Middlesbrough's Centre Square on Saturday, October 25, promising a full day of entertainment, street food, and family-friendly activities from 12pm to 6pm.
The free event is open to everyone and will feature a packed programme of live music, dance, arts and crafts, and a Bollywood-themed fireworks finale.
Kash Patel, event organiser, said: "Diwali is about coming together with family and friends and embracing the values that Diwali represents such as gratitude, joy and hope for the future.
"It’s an event open to all regardless of faith so come and join us on the day and celebrate our diversity whilst strengthening our unity."
The Middlesbrough event is delivered by the same team behind the popular Middlesbrough Mela.
This year’s Diwali celebration will include street vendors from across the UK offering a variety of sweet and savoury dishes, as well as ethnic fashion, fabrics, and market stalls.
Main stage entertainment will run throughout the day, featuring DJ Vee Kooner, live performances from Jazz and Nichelle of Bollywood Singers UK, traditional Indian drumming, and a headline set from award-winning artist Juggy D.
Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Education & Culture, said: "Diwali is back bigger and better than ever, and the countdown to Saturday is well and truly under way.
"It’s the sort of family-friendly event that Middlesbrough does so well, and the team have done an amazing job to deliver a world-class programme.
"There really is something for everyone, so come along to Centre Square and join in the fun on what promises to be a very special day."
Last year’s event attracted thousands of visitors, and organisers expect this year’s festival to be even bigger.
The day will be packed with activities for all ages, from lantern making and rangoli art to drumming workshops and dance sessions.
Read more
Scarecrow festival with trail of 42 'fantastic' characters coming to this village
Hundreds celebrate 175 years of rugby history at Durham school
Progress in Darlington mum's campaign to make town more inclusive for SEN children
Children can enjoy free arts and crafts, a funfair, and creative workshops throughout the day.
The day will conclude with a Bollywood-themed fireworks display, lighting up the Middlesbrough skyline in a dazzling celebration of colour and light.
The event has been made possible with support from Arts Council England, Unison, and a number of other sponsors.
The event is free for everyone, no tickets are required.
Share