For many people in the UK, Diwali is a major festival in their calendar. There’s plenty of fantastic Diwali events to attend—both in Yorkshire and further afield—and we’ve rounded up some of the very best.
Did you know we offer a range of food that’s perfect for Diwali events? Take a look at the complete collection, and don’t forget we offer fast home delivery for all our products. Asian foods (particularly South Asian foods) are a speciality of the Regal site.
1. Bradford
Diwali Ball 2019 at Regency Hall
Saturday 26th October 2019
6:30pm–11:00pm (last entry 9:30pm)
This family event is a fantastic celebration of Diwali. Guests can enjoy a range of entertainment including a range of music, dancing, food stalls and mehndi painting. For children there are bouncy castles and face painting; families can also enjoy certain discounts on tickets.
Please note that tickets only cover the cost of entry to the event. For more details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
2. Leicester
Leicester has some of the biggest Diwali events across the UK. While the main Diwali lights switch-on across the Golden Mile was in early October, there are still multiple fantastic events to experience.
Diwali Family Art Workshops
Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre
Monday 14th–Friday 18th October
1pm–3pm & 3.30pm–5.30pm
Visitors can create traditional Rangoli patterns, floating divas and boats, and even lanterns.
Column of Light
Limekiln Lock, off Abbey Park Road LE1 3WA
Friday 18th October
6pm–9.30pm
At this event, South Yorkshire artist Patrick Murphy will be unveiling the Canal Column of Light, a laser installation at Limekiln Lock. It’ll project a neon beam of light along the canal and into the night sky. You’ll be able to see the light from up to seven miles away; it’ll be a great addition to the night’s brilliant artistic offerings.
Diwali Day
Cossington Street Recreation Ground
Sunday 27th October
3pm–9pm, stage programme from 6pm
At the Leicester Diwali Day event, visitors can enjoy plenty of different attractions. There’ll be live entertainment and a children’s funfair, as well as food and craft stalls. There’ll also be a firework display over Belgrave Road (Leicester’s famous Golden Mile) and the surrounding area.
3. London
Like Leicester, London is alight with Diwali events.
Diwali Celebrations at Trafalgar Square
Sunday 3rd November
12pm–7pm
London residents and visitors alike can celebrate Diwali in the heart of London. They can enjoy an exciting lineup of music and dance, as well as workshops, food and crafts for the whole family to enjoy. What’s more, this event is free to attend!
Diwali/Bonfire Night Celebrations
Market Square, Wembley Park
Sunday 10th November
5pm–7pm
This free, family-friendly Diwali festival is a fantastic celebration of Brent’s diversity. Mixing the best of Bonfire Night and Diwali, visitors can enjoy funfair rides, street food and roaming performers across Market Square. Emergency Exit Arts will begin their fire and light carnival around 6pm, with a 7pm fireworks display closing the show.
Keep an eye out for the hundreds of lanterns made by the local community, dancers and magical light-up puppets, including a jaw-dropping firebird!
4. Birmingham
Diwali on the Square
Victoria Square, Birmingham
Saturday 19th October
11am–6pm
This family-friendly event is a joint enterprise between the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Consulate General of India. Free to attend, it’s a wonderful celebration of the Festival of Light.
Visitors will be able to enjoy singing, dancing, live performances and authentic Indian food. Keep a lookout for other highlights of Indian culture, including mehndi artists and sari tying. With plenty of space for seating and picnics, people will be able to sample all the sounds, tastes and culture of India!
5. Huddersfield
Bollywood Nights Diwali Party
Revolution Huddersfield
Friday 25th October
11pm–3am
Suitable for over 18s only, this show is a team-up with Bollynights UK and Huddersfield University’s Indian Society. It promises to be the UK’s number one Desi night, with a mix of Bollywood, Bhangra and RnB music to enjoy.
Spain’s DJ Avi and Manchester’s DJ Rohit will be leading the event. Students and non-students are both welcome, as are traditional outfits. Consult the Indian Society for tickets.
6. York
Diwali Festival of Light
York Indian Cultural Association & The Hindu Faith Advisory, York St John University
Saturday 23rd November
6pm–8pm
If you’d like to immerse yourself in Indian culture for an evening, York St John University is worth visiting during the festive period. Their event offers Laxmi Puja Kathak dance by Archita Kumar, as well as Bollywood dance and Bollywood songs by Biju Chakochan. When you’re ready to take things a little easier, enjoy a veena recital by Dr. Sivasambo Sriharan and traditional food from Masalacraft York.
7. Coventry
Craft Morning at Finham Library
Saturday 26th October
9:30AM–12:30PM
This event is a great way to take part in the preparations for Sunday’s Diwali festival. You’ll be able to make crafts, and share snacks and treats with the other attendees. Everyone is welcome to attend!
The Indians are Coming
Belgrade Theatre, Corporation Street, Coventry
Monday 25th November–Tuesday 26th November
7:15PM–9:45PM
The Indians Are Coming is a stage play that promises an evening of fun and laughter. The productions star Mickey Sharma, SJ Magic, Sukh Ojla and Jay Droch, as well as Indian guest Anuvab Pal and US guest Omid Singh. Each show is recommended for audiences aged 16 and over. You can book tickets on the Belgrade Theatre website.
8. Glasgow
Diwali at InnerSpace Glasgow
InnerSpace Glasgow, 277 High Street
Thursday 24th October
6:45pm–8pm
Looking for a different approach to Diwali events this year? The Inner Space meditation centre is offering a magical evening for inner reflection, and to remind yourself of your inner light. The event is hosted by Rose Goodenough, a teacher and practitioner of Raja Yoga meditation for over 35 years.
Bollywood Diwali Party
Lola’s Nightclub, 190 Bath Street
Friday 25th October
11pm–3am
If you want a livelier Glasgow event, come along to Lola’s Nightclub for an extravagant Bollywood-style party! The nightclub will feature full Diwali decor, while a mix of DJs will be playing popular Bollywood dance tunes all night long. Keep an ear out for bhangra and chart music as well.
Other highlights include a live Dhol player, drink promos and event photography. Make sure you dress to impress, and don’t be afraid to bring out your traditional Desi wear! All religions and nationalities are welcome.
9. Edinburgh
Edinburgh Diwali
Wednesday 23rd–Saturday 26th October
A successful event for the last three years, Edinburgh Diwali is the brainchild of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost. This year’s Diwali event—free for all to attend— has plenty to offer, including a parade from City Chambers, a stage show at Ross Band Stand and a spectacular fireworks finale.
A highlight of the event is the giant Lightopia light installations. These are scattered across the city at locations like Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and Castle Street, and portray religious figures such as Lakshmi and Ganesha. For Edinburgh residents, this is a spectacle you can’t afford to miss!
10. Manchester
Deepavali Kondattam
Wythenshawe Forum Hall, Simonsway
Saturday 19th October
Hosted by the Northern Tamil Association, this event acts as a platform for local children and adults to exhibit their talents. It’s very popular with the local Tamil community, and also attracts participants from nine regions across the UK. Winners of the contest receive the NTA championship trophy for their efforts!
Dashehra Diwali Mela
Albert Square, City Centre
Annual Event
Taking place every year, this event brings together two Hindu festivals—Dashehra and Diwali. It’s a spectacular celebration of both classical and contemporary Indian traditions, as well as dance and outdoor arts.
Events typically start in the afternoon; past examples include choreographed fireworks, traditional Kathak dance, artist workshops and a range of Indian food. Keep an eye out for this event every year in Manchester!
A Festival for Everyone
Wherever you are in the UK, there’s a Diwali event for everyone to enjoy. We wish you all a happy Diwali, and hope you have the chance to spend time with friends and family during the festival days.
If you’re hosting your own Diwali celebrations, don’t forget you can enjoy a discount in our shop during the Diwali period! Simply enter the code “Diwali” for 20% off your order.
