Diwali in Leicester the Light switch-on 24th October 2021.
Our news report video
Leicester’s annual Diwali celebrations returned to the city’s streets today, with a new approach that made public safety a priority.
In a change to previous years, the main entertainment stage, usually sited near to the Belgrave roundabout, was replaced by a giant screen showing a recorded cultural programme.
With a second screen also located on the junction with Wand Street and a third was on Cossington Street Recreation Ground the festival site.
The cultural programme featuring dance, music and religious ceremony was shown on the giant screens every hour, with the main event of the lights switch on at 6.30pm.
Thousands watched as the lights of Diwali came to life with a trio of fire performers, Helter Skelter Arts.
This year, the annual firework displays was replaced with a warm and light Fire Garden on Cossington Street Recreation Ground.
During the switch-on there was giant puppets Hanuman and Ravana they roamed Belgrave Road in a battle over good and evil.
On Diwali Day Thursday 4th November, a Global Rainbow light will be beamed across the city, and also on Diwali day Cossington Street Recreation Ground will be hosting a Diwali Village featuring food, stalls and funfair rides.
This year seen the return of the Diwali Wheel of Light, located on Belgrave Road.
There is also a fantastic selection of events taking place around the city during Diwali Leicester festival period.
For more information
https://www.visitleicester.info/diwali
Diwali Leicester 2021 is sponsored by Leicester University and the event was hosted by Leicester City council event and festivals teams.
Watch our Diwali 2021 Film