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October 12, 2022

Diwali 2022: A Guide to Leicester’s Celebrations

First year celebrating Diwali in Leicester? Read the guide to celebrations available!

Hello All!

With Diwali coming up on the 24th of October and being separated for your families for (what we guess) is the first time. We’ve done the research into how you can celebrate Diwali in Leciester. So you are able to join in the festivities without having to look further than LGSC’s blog.

Did You Know: Leicester is seen as the biggest Diwali festival outside of India

The Diwali Light Switch On has already taken place this year. The lights were turned on Sunday 9th of October lighting up Leicester’s Golden Mile. Celebrations began at 3pm with opening the Diwali village on Cossington Street. Up until 9pm, people were able to watch a show featuring local talent, children were able to go on funfair rides and there were food stalls all around. Leicester’s 6000 Diwali lights were switched on at 7:30pm and will continue to light up Belgrave Road for the two weeks until Diwali Day.

Leicester’s Wheel of Light Returns!

The Wheel of Light on Belgrave Road is a glittering centre piece that demands your attention and adds even more fun to the celebrations. Each ride will last about 8-10 minutes, and you’re a whopping 110 feet. From the top of the wheel, you’ll see amazing views of the Golden Mile, Leicester City and beyond. Wheelchair access is available for one of the gondolas. Riding times are as follows:

  • Monday – Friday: 4pm – 10pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: – 2pm – 10pm

Pre-booking for the wheel on Diwali Day is recommended as it does get busier. A link to times, prices and how to book is here: Giant wheel | Leicester Giant Wheel | England. The Wheel of Light will be open on Diwali Day and stay on Belgrave Road until November 6th.

The celebrations continue on Monday 24th October, beginning at 3pm. The Diwali Village will be back at Cossington Street Recreation Ground, alongside stage entertainment from 6pm. The Golden Mile will be full of people celebrating, among the crowd, will be a giant illuminated puppet called Dundu who’s been described as a “must-see highlight of the evening”. Celebrations would not be complete without fireworks. There will be a firework display at about 8:10pm, an ariel display created and choreographed by a local company – you’ll be able to see it from miles away!

There are other events during the lead up to Diwali Day around Leicester that you can also experience.

  1. Saturday 15th October – Diwali Mela Bazaar: 11am – 5pm, Clock Tower.
    – Bringing a flavour of Diwali celebrations to the city. Experience Indian shopping, arts, crafts, cuisine and even live entertainment.
  2. Monday 17th – Monday 24th October – Celebrate Diwali at the Curve.
    – The Curve will be celebrating Diwali with music in the foyer, lunchtime performances, decoration and food. You can find more information on the Curve website: Home – Curve Theatre, Leicester (curveonline.co.uk)
  3. Monday 17th – Thursday 20th October: 1:30pm – 4:15pm, Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre.
    – Available during the half term. Free for the family, drop-in sessions with sessions last 40 minutes. You’ll be creating Rangoli lanterns, patterns and paper boats, these can be sailed on the canal at the waterside Diwali festival on Friday 21st October.
  4. Friday 21st October – Waterside Diwali Celebrations: 5pm – 7:30pm, Lime Kiln Lock near Abbey Park.
    – Family friendly waterside celebration. Help light up the canal with your own lantern and the chance to sail the boat you’ve made. Enjoy the food and the atmosphere.

~ LGSC

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