In a change to previous years, the main entertainment stage, usually sited near to the Belgrave roundabout, will be replaced by a giant screen showing a recorded cultural programme. A second giant screen will be located on the junction with Wand Street and a third giant screen will be located on Cossington Street Recreation Ground.

The cultural programme featuring dance, music and religious ceremony will be shown on the giant screens every hour from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, with the lights turned on at 6.30pm. Then watch as the lights of Diwali come to life with a trio of fire performers, Helter Skelter Arts.

This year, the annual firework displays will be replaced with a warm and light Fire Garden on Cossington Street Recreation Ground along with a Diwali Village featuring food, stalls and funfair rides from 3pm – 9pm.

During the switch-on look out for giant puppets Hanuman and Ravana as they roam Belgrave Road in a battle over good and evil and on Diwali Day a Global Rainbow will beam light across the city.

This year sees the return of the Diwali Wheel of Light, located on Belgrave Road.

There's over £2,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, from GOLD BARS to RESTAURANT VOUCHERS in our Diwali prize draw - enter now to be in with a chance to WIN! Also, make sure you take a look through our beautiful gift ideas for friends and family. 

Leicester's Diwali celebrations are generously supported by the University of Leicester

For more information on events & activities, be sure to take a look at the 2021 Diwali Guide

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, last year’s events were marked virtually and helped bring people together for an experience they could share with loved ones and friends across the world.

Hosted by BBC Radio Leicester’s Kamlesh Purohit the celebration was specially filmed for the event, and you can relive it below.