Diwali on the Square

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A spectacular free Diwali celebration in Birmingham city centre promises singing, dancing, food and fun for all the community.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is joining forces with the Consulate General of India to celebrate the Festival of Light.

Diwali on the Square is taking place in Victoria Square on Saturday 19th October between 11am and 6pm, following the success of the last two years.

The event will be headlined by Bhangra band DCS front man Shin Parwana, who will be performing a popular mix of Bollywood classics and Punjabi ghazals from 1.30-2.45pm.

The line-up also includes Wolverhampton dance group Gabhru Punjab De, the Debjani dance group from Solihull, the Elite dance group from RSA Academy in Tipton, and the Coventry Marathi group.

There will be authentic Indian food supplied by the region's best restaurants, plus Mehndi artists, face painting, kite making and many other stalls and activities.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street will be joined by Her Excellency Mrs Ruchi Ghanashyam, High Commissioner of India to the UK, and Consul General of India, Dr Aman Puri, when he speaks to the crowd at 12.40pm.

Mr Street said: “Diwali is a time of great celebration and this event is for the whole community, whatever their faith. I’d really like to thank our sponsors for their generosity in funding the event so that everyone can enjoy it for free.

“We’ll have a big stage with all cultural events, singing and dancing, street food stalls and also health and wellbeing advice.

“It’s a great family day out in a fantastic atmosphere, offering the tastes and sounds of India, and I’d encourage everyone to pop along and join in the fun.”

There will be lots of seating and picnic areas for people to enjoy all the sounds, tastes and culture of India.

The event is sponsored this year by HSBC, Birmingham Airport, KTC, Ola Cabs, More Catering and Asha’s.

Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by faiths throughout the Indian community to mark different historical events and stories but with all of them symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

It is celebrated by lighting lamps and candles in doors and windows of the home, around temples and other buildings, along with fireworks.