Six events bringing the sights, sounds and culture of Diwali across the West Midlands
There is set to be light shows, fireworks, dancing and celebrations among communities as the annual festival of light returns for another year.
Across the West Midlands, members of the Hindu and Sikh communities will be coming together to celebrate Diwali, one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
The main celebrations occur on the third day of Diwali, the darkest day of the month, coinciding with the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which this year falls on October 20.
The festival is celebrated in many different ways, from places being brightly illuminated with candles and oil lamps, and devotional offers being made to people washing themselves with water and fragrant oils and wearing fresh and new clothes.
The main celebrations will take place in big communal settings, with food and drink provided and a ceremonial light switch on before there is a massive fireworks display.
We've look across the West Midlands and picked out six events which are open to the public and promise to be full and fun celebrations of the festival of light.
Diwali Mela at Phoenix Park in Wolverhampton
Saturday, October 11, running from 4pm to 8:30pm at Phoenix Park on Dudley Road in Blakenhall in Wolverhampton
The celebration is hosted by the Shree Krishan Mandir and will take place at the venue off Dudley Road in Blakenhall.
Following the switching on of the lights at 8pm, there will be a spectacular fireworks display.
People are advised to make their plans early as the event site has a capacity of 9,000 and will operate on a first come, first served basis and the event is supported by the Indian Multicultural Society, Shree Krishan Mandir, Gurudwara Sikh Council and Gujrati Association.
Diwali at Wightwick Manor and Gardens
From Monday, October 13 to October 26, running from 11am to 5pm at Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton
Wightwick Manor and Gardens lights up with its first-ever Diwali celebration.
The historic house will be transformed in celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Light, offering a vibrant blend of South Asian heritage and the Manor’s artistic legacy.
Fusion: A Diwali Installation invites visitors on a vibrant journey through the Manor, wander through rooms adorned with marigolds, symbolic of celebration and joy in Indian culture, and diya lamps, which represent the triumph of light over darkness.In the Lower Hall and admire a display of Bengali saris.
Diwali Ball
Friday, October 17, running from 6pm to 11.59pm at The Willows on Bath Street in Willenhall
There will be a night of music and entertainment alongside a full sit down meal, with the proceeds of the night going to help local charities.
Bhangra Smash Up, Shin DCS, Beat Nation Entertainment, Poppies Solo, Funki Ents and Dance and Nesdi Jones will all be part of the evening on stage.
Food will include samosas, spring rolls, fish and chicken tikka, as well as two large pizzas and chips for the table, and proceeds from the event will go to Well Wishes Charity, the official registered charity of Walsall Healthcasre NHS Trust, and the Sanjhi Sewa Charity.
Festival of Light
Saturday, October 18 from 5pm to 9pm at the Black Country Living Museum on Discovery Way in Dudley
The heritage museum will be opening up its doors on October 18 for a night of the vibrant sights, sounds, and spirit of Diwali at its Festival of Light.
Visitors will be able to witness a full and dazzling lantern procession as it illuminates the night and winds its way through the historic cobbled streets, while there will also be a number of activities on offer as well.
This includes getting creative with Rangoli workshops, taking part in cultural crafts, discovering the light installations illuminating the Museum grounds and being able to tuck into authentic South Asian cuisine from local vendors.
Festival of Lights at Staffordshire University
Thursday, October 23 from 6pm to 10pm at Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent
The university is welcoming in students, staff and the community to enjoy an evening of cultural fun celebrating Diwali.
Events during the event will include Henna and Rangoi art and other arts and crafts, as well as dancing and giveaways.
The event follows the good relationship the university has with the Sikh and Hindu communities in the city and wider Staffordshire area and will see local groups proving food and drink.
Diwali Community Day
Saturday, October 25 from 12pm to 4pm at the New Art Gallery at Gallery Square in Walsall
The gallery will be celebrating the festival of light with an afternoon of cultural activities for old and young to enjoy.
Activities will include traditional stories of Diwali with international storyteller Peter Chand, lotus flower-making workshop with artist Daya Bhatti and the chance to listen to Manpaal Singh perform with tabla and percussion.
As well as that, there will be Bharatanatyam dance performances from Jnan Deep Kundu, authentic South Asian food, Mehndi from Mrs Bedi and colouring sheets for children & adults.
