Diwali is coming early to Wembley Park this year, as London’s most exciting new neighbourhood invites visitors and the local community alike to celebrate the victory of light over darkness on Saturday 1st October 2022.
The free-to-attend family event, open to all, will include a wide range of dance and musical performances from the Brent community, outstanding food options and a mesmerising parade of lanterns designed and made by local school children.
“We are excited to be getting into the Diwali spirit with our 1st October celebration, which will welcome anyone who wants to learn about Diwali and soak up the joyous atmosphere. We’ve curated a packed schedule of events, incorporating a diverse range of performances from the local Brent community for the whole family to enjoy.”
Josh McNorton, Cultural Director, Wembley Park
Diwali is celebrated around the world by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. The festival will take place over five days this year from 23rd to 27th October. Known as the ‘festival of lights’ (the word ‘Diwali’ means ‘row of lights’ in Sanskrit), it celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Many Hindus honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Ganesha, the god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles, during Diwali, though a wide range of regional variations exist.
In Wembley Park, the 1st October event will run from 1pm onwards, with events on the main stage including Classical Indian Odissi Dance, Bollywood dancing, and a variety of performances from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir” (popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’), Indian drumming and bhangra dancers from the Dhol Foundation.
The performances will be followed by a lantern parade through the Wembley Park neighbourhood complete with drummers and dancers, which will lead crowds from the main stage opposite the London Designer Outlet to the Diwali disco at BOXPARK Wembley. BOXPARK will also be hosting an afterparty for those looking to carry on the celebrations after dark.
A range of supporting activities will take place during the day, including a performance within the London Designer Outlet and a Masalchi food stall – the Wembley Park restaurant run by twice Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar. Those wanting a picture to remember the day can strike the perfect pose by the Tuk Tuk positioned on Olympic Way.
