Diwali celebration to 'bring communities together'

Nishanthini Mayurathan says the festival is an important time for her family

Thousands of people are expected to attend Diwali celebrations in Middlesbrough later.

The organisers of the event - which will feature live music, food and fireworks - say they hope it will bring the community together.

Organiser Kash Patel said rioting over the summer, which saw the cancellation of the Middlesbrough Mela, had been "awful".

He said: "Something like Diwali is an opportunity to bring people together."

Diwali is the biggest festival in the Hindu calendar and is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains

Mr Patel added: "I think it's just crucial, it gives everybody the chance to come out and celebrate and feel less isolated.

"Diwali is all about festivity, friends, family and hopefully a chance for people to understand different cultures and the importance of living together in harmony."

The organiser of the Middlesbrough Diwali celebrations Kash Patel says he hopes it will unite the town

Nishanthini Mayurathan, who is from the region's Sri Lankan community, said her daughters will be dancing on the stage in Centre Square.

"In Teesside there are around 300 families and Diwali is so important for us, and reminds us of our traditions in Sri Lanka.

"This is a chance for us to showcase our culture and talents," she said.

The free celebrations begin at 12:00 GMT.