Diwali in Middlesbrough returns with a difference
As it falls on Halloween this year the event has already been coined Diwali-Ween with organisers planning a 'spooktacular' celebration
Diwali's returning this year in Middlesbrough with a difference.
There’s a feast of entertainment lined up for all the family on Centre Square from 1pm to 7pm.
Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikh, and Jains all over the world for five-days, celebrating light, colour and new beginnings, representing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The ever-popular multicultural extravaganza in Middlesbrough remains a free, family fun event that includes live music and dance along with mouth-watering street food, children’s activities, stalls, funfair rides and a spectacular firework finale.
Here’s what’s in store:
Entertainment
Back-to-back entertainment in Centre Square with main stage highlights including king of multicultural pop Raghav and The Voice UK’s Molly J.
Food
Street vendors from all over the UK will tempt visitors with a wide selection of sweet and savoury delights as well as ethnic fashion and fabrics and a whole host of other stalls.
Funfair
A range of funfair rides for the kids along with lots of other free arts and craft activity for the little ones to get involved in.
Fireworks
A spectacular Bollywood-themed Firework Finale will light up the sky for all to see.
Free Activities
From Diwali lantern making to rangoli designs, drumming workshops to dancing, there’s lots of things to get involved in that won’t cost a single penny and keep the kids entertained.
Diwali in Middlesbrough is produced by the team behind the ever-popular Middlesbrough Mela, and is promoted to be inclusive of all backgrounds, races, religions and beliefs.
The event is supported by Arts Council England and sponsors including Thirteen Group and Unison.
Event organiser Kash Patel said: “Diwali is about coming together with family and friends and embracing the values that Diwali represents such as gratitude, joy and hope for the future.
“It’s an event open to all regardless of faith so come and join us on the day and celebrate our diversity whilst strengthening our unity.
"Diwali is a wonderful, inclusive festival celebrated across major cities in the UK so why should Middlesbrough miss out?
"The fact that it falls on Halloween this year is even more reason we should all get together and celebrate both festivals - we're going to make it a Diwali-Ween Special!
"Festivals and events like Diwali and Mela are fantastic celebrations of everything that's great about Middlesbrough's culture, creativity and community cohesion.
"There really is something for everybody, from workshops and activities to shopping in the stall bazaar or simply being entertained by the acts on the main stage.
"It's a great way for the full family to enjoy a free day out – and the spectacular firework finale is just the icing on the cake."
The event is free for all to attend and tickets are not required. Follow @DiwaliinBoro on Facebook for updates.