Northampton’s 25th Diwali Festival of Lights to illuminate Market Square this October

Northampton’s Diwali Festival of Lights returns on Saturday 18 October, marking its 25th anniversary with a full day of cultural celebrations, performances and a dazzling evening parade through the town centre.

Organised by the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation (IHWO) and supported by Northampton Town Council, West Northamptonshire Council and the Northampton Town Centre BID, this year’s event will transform the Market Square from 10am to 8pm.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including henna painting, saree dressing, community stalls, and authentic Indian food and drink. A packed programme of stage entertainment runs from 12pm to 8pm, featuring local performers and speeches from civic leaders.

The highlight of the day will be the light parade, starting at 6pm from Fish Street. Community groups and schoolchildren will join giant illuminated puppets — including Harminder the elephant and Shanti the bird — created by Rost Productions Ltd. The parade will follow a route through St Giles’ Terrace, St Giles’ Street, George Row, and Wood Hill, collecting Diwali lights along the way before returning to the Market Square for a spectacular finale at 7pm.

“This is a particularly special festival for us as we celebrate 25 years of marking Diwali in Northampton,” said Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, chair of the IHWO. “The event has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant, inclusive celebration with so many people and partners involved.”

Cllr Keith Holland Delamere, chair of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, added: “We are proud to support this wonderful festival, which brings our communities together in celebration of light, colour and culture.”

The event also receives support from Inspiration Arts, Inspiration FM, the University of Northampton, Northampton College, Grosvenor Shopping Centre, and Arts Council England through the National Lottery.

For details, visit www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/diwali or follow Northampton Town Council on social media.