The restaurant side of Diwali might get the lion’s share of attention but there’s more to the Hindu festival of light than eating and drinking. There’s classical dancing, Diwali lantern workshops and henna tattoo lessons too.
And there’s still time to earmark your diaries for the largest Diwali party in Trafalgar Square, which always draws in thousands of revellers, as well as a huge student club night.
With Diwali running between October 31 and November 1, below we shine a light on some of the best events in London.
Diwali on the Square
This huge annual celebration of Diwali draws in more than 30,000 fans each year. The stage is the central point around which myriad events and activities coalesce, with live music, costumery, flowers and dancing all featuring. Among all that activity, the organisers have crafted a quiet sanctuary, a space for peaceful meditation. So there’s something for everyone. It’s free to attend too, it makes for an accessible, family-friendly afternoon out.
How much? Free to attend
When? October 27, 1:00-7.00pm
Where? Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N, www.london.gov.uk
Devonshire Square’s Diwali Festival
Each year, Devonshire Square’s Diwali celebrations get better and better, and this year promises to be no exception. Visitors can expect traditional visual arts, such as rangoli dancing created on-site by artist Miguel Rajaguru, and a show presented by Akademi South Asian Dance, which is set to feature Indian classical and folk pieces, with a classic Bollywood finale. Best of all, guests will be treated to a complimentary tasting of canapés and Indian sweets washed down with “Odyssey Rose Nectar”, an Indian rose milk drink made by the bartenders at nearby Cinnamon Kitchen.
How much? Free, via Eventbrite or emailing frontdesk@dsq.london
When? October 30, 5.30-7.30pm
Where? Devonshire Square, EC2M, dsq.london
Diwali at Greenwich Peninsula
Proof that there’s more to the Greenwich Peninsula than a cable car to nowhere, the chunk of south London that juts out into the river Thames is going all out this Diwali. Dance, music, lantern making, food, and henna tattooing are all planned, with Bollywood dance classes, hands on workshops and DJs till late. Akademi South Asian Dance are some of the best curators of Diwali celebrations, and the dance trope features heavily in this exciting roster of activities. Not one to miss.
How much? Free, but some events are ticketed
When? November 2, 12:00 - 9:00pm
Where? The Tide, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10, greenwichpeninsula.co.uk
Marble Hill Diwali
Few Londoners know about Marble Hill, the last surviving of the Georgian villas that lined the Thames between Richmond and Hampton Court in the 18th century. This year’s Diwali celebrations offer the chance to explore the restored gardens and 60 acres of riverside parkland as well as enjoy illuminations, dancers and dhol drummers. The festivities begin at 2pm with a classical dance performance, with something eye-catching happening every hour until the parade at 6pm, whether giant puppets, bhangra and Bollywood dance workshops or Diwali celebrations on stage.
How much? Free
When? October 26, 2-8pm
Where? Marble Hill Park, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2NL, english-heritage.org.uk
Masti: Diwali Ball at Ministry of Sound
This year, the legendary south London nightclub Ministry of Sound is hosting a blowout Diwali student night. Strictly for students (revellers will need a valid ID on arrival) this budget-friendly all-nighter is to take place across the venue’s four main rooms. Expect DJs spinning Bollywood and bhangra floor fillers and commercial classics, with henna tattoos available from artists on site.
How much? From £6
When? November 11, 10:30pm - 4am
Where? Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt Street, SE1 6DP, fatsoma.com
