Thousands attend Diwali lights switch-on event in Leicester
- Published
About 40,000 were expected to attend the Diwali celebrations
Thousands descended on Leicester over the weekend for the switch-on of lights to mark Diwali.
The city's Festival of Lights celebration, one of the largest events held outside India, took place on Sunday.
About 40,000 people were expected to attend the event, which featured live performances and a firework display.
The programme of live entertainment started at 17:30 BST, followed by the switch-on of 6,000 lights at 19:30.
There were live performances on stage throughout Sunday
Jonathan Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, was among those in attendance.
He said: "It's always a special night in Leicester when we switch on our Diwali lights. Tonight was spectacular.
"Thank you to everyone, especially the University of Leicester, who made tonight such a success."
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
Police said, external the event took place "peacefully" as officers provided a "visible but reassuring presence".
"Our officers spoke to many families at the light switch-on who were grateful to see and chat with them," a spokesperson said.
Those in attendance enjoyed street art and performances
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, external, on Twitter, external, or on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk, external.
- Published9 October 2022
- Published31 January
