Wheel of Light lined up for Diwali celebrations

Leicester Diwali Wheel of Light
Image caption,

The Wheel of Light is a notable feature of Leicester's Diwali celebrations

  • Published

Diwali celebrations in Leicester are set to feature the Wheel of Light, despite cost-cutting moves from officials.

Leicester City Council has submitted plans for the return of the attraction ahead of the scaled back 2024 festivities.

The application comes a week after the council confirmed the usual two days of events for Diwali in the city will not be possible this year, with the authority saying it cannot currently afford the £250,000 annual price tag.

Reduced funding means the light switch-on event will not be happening this year, with celebrations instead focusing on just Diwali Day, on 31 October.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby had assured residents the lights along the Golden Mile will still be put up.

Plans suggest the Wheel of Light could be in place from 4 October to 4 November.

It would be located in the Cranbourne Street parking area, next to the Brahma Samaj Temple.

The council has set a target decision date for the application of 26 September.

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