Celebrate Diwali Day in Leicester to mark the 40th anniversary of Diwali Festival in Leicester. Exciting new additions to the event have been produced and commissioned by Inspirate, with support from Arts Council England, bringing the wow factor to your celebrations!
Parade of Light
Sunday 12th November
Belgrave Road & Stage of Light
5:00pm
A beautiful parade of 100 lanterns, made by children and families within the local community and across Leicester, in collaboration with visual artist Shamila Chady. The parade will be accompanied by internationally renowned Spark!, a stunning drumming and dance performance created by WorldBeaters. Join us as we open our Diwali celebrations with a joyful and interactive procession of light, sound and community spirit.
Light It Up with Arun Ghosh
A new score for Leicester's Diwali Fireworks
Sunday 12th November
Belgrave Road & Cossington Park
7:30pm
Leicester's spectacular firework display, like never before! Immerse yourself in an incredible soundtrack that has been specially created to accompany the fireworks. Created and produced by Arun Ghosh, an internationally renowned composer and musician, this year’s firework show will be a multisensory experience that reflects his unique style, illuminating the sky with an energetic fusion of upbeat rhythms and evocative melodies.
Music and Lyrics by Arun Ghosh
Performed by:
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Arun Ghosh: clarinet, keyboards, harmonium, programming
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Irini Arabatzi: vocals
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Zubin Chijiutomi-Ghosh - spoken word
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Idris Rahman: tenor saxophone
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Dalbir Singh Rattan: tabla, percussion
Produced by Arun Ghosh.
Mixed by Arun Ghosh and Yvonne Ellis.
Recorded at Limefield Studios.
Talvin Singh (DJ Set)
Sunday 12th November
Stage of Light
7:40pm
Accompanying the grand finale of the festival is Mercury Music Prize winner, Talvin Singh. A maestro percussionist, producer and composer. Talvin is renowned for creating the bridge between classical Indian arts and electronic music, sculpting a cutting edge sonic landscape. Talvin will be continuing the vibrant festival atmosphere after the fireworks and performing a DJ set at the Stage of Light!
Ancient Giants
Sunday 12th November
Belgrave Road 5:30pm
Stage of Light 7:00pm
Gods & Demons from South Asian tales are brought to life in a family friendly street theatre show - creating a visual spectacle of giant puppetry, martial arts, dance and storytelling. This performance represents the struggle between good and evil, an epic display of honour and loyalty. Look out for Hanuman and Ravana as they move through the crowds, making their way to a dramatic confrontation that will leave audiences in awe. Created and devised by artists Chirag Lukha, Tom Cleaver and Parmjit Sagoo.
DJ Yumna Black
Sunday 12th November
Diwali Truck
5:00pm - 9:00pm
DJ Yumna Black will spin his decks, bringing us contemporary sounds which blend east and west. During the evening, he will be joined by tabla player Hari Trivedi to create a dynamic live music and DJ collaboration. The Diwali Truck will be a visual feast for the eyes, with textiles and shadow puppets creating an intriguing fusion of light and shadow - designed and curated by Emma Fay.
DJ Amrita
Sunday 12th November
Stage of Light
5:45pm - 7:00pm
The Stage of Light features DJ Amrita Kalsi, who will keep the party atmosphere going with live dhol drumming and a DJ set which blends modern and old school bhangra rhythms.
Waterfall of Light
Sunday 12th November
Cossington Park
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Ropes of light cascade from the top of a freestanding tower into a pool of light, brought to life using colour changing LED technology and smoke effects. Created by Peter Medlicott, this installation will be a mesmerising waterfall of light, featuring alongside the Fire Garden and Laser Show, so be sure to check it out! Presented to you by Canal & River Trust.
Fire Garden
Sunday 12th November
Cossington Park
5:00pm - 9:00pm
‘She dreams powerful emotions - the trees, earth, planets and stars align to calm her, gaining power to heal, bringing peace; light over dark.’
Experience an oasis of calm in the fire garden - where glowing structures create a family friendly installation for everyone to enjoy.
Laser Show
Sunday 12th November
Stage of Light
7:30pm
As the evening becomes darker, the stage will light up with a spectacular display of lasers shooting across Cossington Park. Our resident DJs will entertain the crowds, as we build towards the fireworks display. On cue, our specially commissioned original musical score will begin as the fireworks start, immersing people under a blanket of lasers, light and sound!
Rickshaw Sound Systems
Sunday 12th November
Cossington Park
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Look out for some very special rickshaws travelling around Belgrave Road, uniquely designed and wired for sound! Each one features its own playlist so you can dance your way through the Diwali celebrations and enjoy a medley of music! Designed and curated by visual artists, Ismail Khokon, Sim Mistry and Vishal Joshi.