Join Rugby's Diwali celebrations

The free open-air community event, organised by the Rugby Indian Association with support from Rugby Borough Council and event management company Unlimited Communications, will include music, dance, stalls, festive lighting and a lantern parade.

Activities run from 2pm to 7pm and take place in Market Place and the Asda car park (in front of the Swan Centre).

Diwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.

It is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, and for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations.

The festival always falls sometime between October and November, but the exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the moon. 

Cllr Ish Mistry, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for people, resources and goverance, and one of the organisers of the event, said: “Diwali is one of the most important annual celebrations for the Indian community and I am really excited that it will be taking place in Rugby town centre again.

"This year we are really keen to involve other communities from across the borough in this important celebration, so if you are interested in having a stall, joining the procession, making some lanterns or being part of the music and dance programme, please get in touch.

"I would also like to say a special 'thank you' to Asda for allowing us to use their car park as part of the event.” 

Tom Kittendorf, Rugby Borough Council's assistant director for leisure and wellbeing, said: “Rugby has an incredibly diverse community and an event like this brings people together.

"It also generates significant footfall, increases dwell time, attracts new audiences and provides a boost to the town centre economy.

"It would be great to see as many people as possible come into the town to enjoy the event, but at the same time I would encourage you to support your local town centre businesses.” 

If you are interested in being part of the celebrations, want to have a stall or run a special promotion, please get in touch with chris@ucltd.co.uk

For more information about events in Rugby town centre, visit www.therugbytown.co.uk