Celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, in and around London
It’s starting to feel a lot like Diwali in London. Also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, Diwali spans five days and usually falls in late October or early November. This year, Dhanteras will mark the official start on October 29 – November 3, with the main celebrations taking place on October 31 and November 1.
There will be a variety of events celebrating Diwali, so have a look below - there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
All day events
1. Enjoy a huge free Diwali celebration at Trafalgar Square (October 27)
This is London’s biggest Diwali event and one not to be missed. Expect music and dance, delicious food, arts and crafts, workshops and more. The full programme for this year’s festival is yet to be announced but expect it to be a vibrant affair.
Date: 27 October 2024
Time: 1pm to 7pm
Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: Free
2. Celebrate at the largest Diwali festival in the country at the Neasden Temple
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London hosts the largest Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations in the country. Open to one and all, the celebrations are an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the traditions, colours and rich culture of the Hindu faith.
Date: 31 October 2024
Time: 10am -7pm
Location: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Pramukh Swami Road, Neasden, London NW10 8HW
Cost: Free
This is an interactive and hands-on celebration – enjoy lantern-making sessions, Bhangra dance workshops and a light parade down to the banks of the Thames!
Date: Saturday 26 October 2024
Time: 2pm - 8pm
Location: Marble Hill, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2NL
Cost: Free
4. Immurse yourself in stunning Indian art at the Barbican
For one weekend only, Barbican offers free entry to The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975–1998. This exhibition explores the historical period of social upheaval, economic collapse and rapid urbanisation. The artworks are deeply personal documents from a period of huge change.
Date: 26 - 27 October
Time: 10am - 6pm
Venue: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS. The Art Gallery is located on Level 3.
Cost: Free. Tickets are available to book from 10th October, or there will be a limited number of tickets available on the day. Tickets are normally £20 so this offer will be popular.
5. See Greenwich Peninsula light up
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of South Asian culture with a day full of exciting activities at Greenwich Peninsula. Traditional dance, music, henna, a tea light ceremony and lantern crafting! Delicious food will be at the heart of the celebration, a selection of independent South Asian food vendors will be offering savoury bites and sweet treats. In the evening there will be a spectacular Riverside Lantern Parade.
Date: 2 November
Time: 12pm - 9pm
Location: Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0BN
Cost: Free for general registration. Workshops must be booked individually (£5 each)
6. Finish it off with fireworks
Head to Byron Park Harrow for fireworks and go down even earlier for a full-day programme of street food and crafts. Book your tickets here for a spectacular show.
Date: Saturday 9th November 2024
Time: 12pm –11pm (Fireworks start approx. 7:45pm)
Location: Byron Park Harrow, Peel Rd, HA3 7QX
Cost: 12-3pm - free entry. 3pm onwards – Students get in for £8
