Northampton does not do Diwali quietly.

There are lanterns, illuminated puppets, live entertainment, plenty to eat and, this year, 26 years of celebration to mark.

The town’s Diwali Winter Festival of Lights returns to Market Square on Saturday, October 31, promising ten hours of colour, culture and festivities.

Organised by the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, the free event will run from 10am until 8pm, with everyone invited to join the celebrations.

Plenty to see, eat and try

Market Square will be filled with cultural stalls, arts and crafts, henna painting, saree dressing and live performances throughout the day.

There will also be food and drink. Anyone intending to walk past all those stalls without being tempted may be setting themselves an unnecessarily difficult challenge.

The festival has grown from a small community celebration into one of the biggest events in Northampton’s calendar, attracting thousands of people from across the town.

Then come the lanterns

The highlight will be the Diwali parade, expected to begin at around 6pm.

Illuminated puppets, lanterns and community groups will make their way through Northampton town centre, although the final route will be confirmed closer to the event.

Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, chair of the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, said: “What started as a small community celebration has grown into something that brings people from across our town together, and we are incredibly proud of how the event has developed over the years.

“Diwali is about light, hope, positivity and coming together, and those are messages that we feel are particularly important right now.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Market Square for another fantastic day of celebrations and, of course, seeing the spectacular parade bring the town centre to life once again.”

A celebration for the whole town

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is an important Hindu celebration symbolising the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance.

Councillor Keith Holland-Delamere, chair of Northampton Town Council’s Community Services Committee, said: “Diwali is a fantastic example of how Northampton’s diverse communities come together to celebrate culture and tradition while inviting everyone to be part of the occasion.

“Whether you come for the food, entertainment and activities during the day or to watch the magical parade in the evening, there will be something for everyone.”

The festival is being supported by Northampton Town Council, West Northamptonshire Council, Northampton Town Centre BID, the University of Northampton, Grosvenor, Inspiration Arts, Rost Productions, Stage Right Productions, AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inspiration FM 107.8, Royal & Derngate Northampton and Northampton College.

For updates and confirmation of the parade route, follow Northampton Town Council and the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation on social media.