Where will Diwali be celebrated in the West Midlands region?

Diwali falls on 20 October this year

Thousands of people across the West Midlands are coming together to celebrate Diwali.

The festival of lights falls on 20 October this year and is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains worldwide.

A major five-day religious festival, it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Light switch-ons, firework displays and dance performances are set to take place across the region as the annual celebration returns for another year.

Here are a few of the events happening in the West Midlands this year:

Birmingham and the Black Country

Birmingham Diwali Mela festival in Handsworth has been postponed this year

In Birmingham, the 10th annual Diwali Mela festival on Soho Road in Handsworth has been postponed to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of attendees.

Organisers issued a statement ahead of the event stating the decision to postpone followed "careful consideration" following the recent attack in Manchester.

As part of celebrations at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, visitors will be able to view a lantern procession and take part in cultural crafts and art workshops.

The heritage museum said it would open up its doors on the evening of 18 October for live music, dancing and light displays, alongside authentic South Asian food from local vendors.

On 22 October, Dishoom Diwali is set to be held at Hockley Social Club, with live DJ sets from BBC Asian Network presenters.

Wolverhampton

The celebration at Phoenix Park will include live music and dancing

A huge celebration is set to take place in Wolverhampton's Phoenix Park on Saturday.

The free City of Wolverhampton Council event, hosted by the Shree Krishan Mandir, will take place between 16:00 and 20:30 BST, off Dudley Road in Blakenhall.

Following a light-switch on at 20:00, there would be a "spectacular" fireworks display, organisers added.

Elsewhere, at Wightwick Manor and Gardens, visitors can explore a colourful new installation in the manor that "reimagines Diwali through the lens of design" from 13 to 26 October.

Coventry and Warwickshire

A new Diwali light was installed in Leamington Spa town centre last year

In Leamington Spa, hundreds of people are expected to attend a Diwali light switch-on on the parade in the town centre on Sunday.

The event, which features a new light that was first installed last year, will take place from 18:00 to 20:00, Warwick District Council said.

Diwali celebrations will also be returning to Rugby town centre on Sunday.

Organised by Rugby Indian Communities, the event will include music, dance, food, stalls and a lantern parade.

In Coventry, a number of local events are also taking place to mark the occasion over the coming weeks, with Diwali Lights set to be switched on along Foleshill Road and Stoney Stanton Road.

Other Diwali events

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery will be holding a Diwali celebration on 18 October, offering traditional music, dance and craft activities.

On 23 October, the University of Staffordshire is inviting all students, staff and the community to celebrate Diwali at the LRV events hub at its Stoke-on-Trent campus.

Staffs Union said dancing, activities, refreshments and snacks were all included within the ticket.

In Worcestershire, a free all day Diwali celebration will take place at Worcester Art Museum in Worcestershire on 2 November.

Organisers said the event, in partnership with the India Society of Worcester, would also allow visitors to explore the museum's current exhibitions with free admission.

In Telford, Shropshire, a Diwali Party is set be held at Telford Cultural and Leisure Centre on 9 November.