Mayor announces capital’s Diwali on the Square celebrations

• Diwali on the Square will take place on Sunday 9 October
• There’ll be a host of entertainment, activities and food as London comes together to celebrate the Festival of Lights

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that Diwali on the Square will take place on Sunday 9 October with a host of entertainment on offer suitable for all ages.

The capital’s celebration of the Festival of Lights will see Londoners and people from around the world come together at Trafalgar Square to enjoy a fantastic array of dance, music, activities and food.

The Mayor of London’s free annual event is family-friendly and delivered in partnership with the Diwali in London committee. It will open with 200 colourfully dressed dancers in the main square followed by an exciting mix of performances from artists drawn from London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.

From 1-7pm, there will be a host of activities to enjoy including Neasden Temple’s Diwali Festival Experience, dance workshops, yoga and meditation, Glimpse of Goddesses, sari and turban tying, the Diwali Culture Zone, the Unity Marquee, Soho Theatre Comedy and a Children’s marquee, plus henna and face painting.

An array of South Asian food stalls will be serving up delicious traditional and fusion, vegan and vegetarian cuisine.  

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Diwali on the Square is always special as Londoners and visitors of all ages come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights, with a glorious blend of music, culture, food, and art.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Hindu and Sikh neighbours I grew up alongside, I have been lucky enough to experience, on many occasions, the joy and unity that Diwali brings and I know Londoners across our city will be joining together with their families and friends to celebrate.

“I want to take this opportunity to wish all those celebrating a very happy Diwali.”

Nitin Palan MBE FCA, on behalf of the Diwali in London committee, said: “I’m delighted that, after an absence of almost three years, Diwali in London will be celebrated in its full fervour in Trafalgar Square. This year’s theme ‘In the joy of other lies our own’ is relevant for both Diwali and the world in general, as the need for kindness, harmony and selfless service could not be greater at this current time. On behalf of the Diwali in London team, we wish everyone lots of happiness and hope you are inspired to add happiness to the lives of others.”