Birmingham’s biggest Diwali party is finally celebrating its 10th anniversary. Diwali Mela on Soho Road has been cancelled two years in a row now—first over a “funding freeze” in 2024, second due to safety concerns raised “by the recent attack in Manchester” last year—but the Festival of Lights is back this October.
What is Diwali?
The Hindu ‘Festival of Lights’, better known as Diwali, symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma. It’s a classic tale of good vs evil, light vs darkness, and knowledge vs ignorance. Often celebrated with oil lamps and candles, colourful clothes and decorations, huge family meals, and of course, festive fireworks.
When is the Birmingham Diwali Mela?
The city’s biggest Diwali party takes over Soho Road, Soho Hill and Holyhead Road every year (well, almost). This year, it returns on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from noon to 7:30pm, as Soho Road transforms into a “vibrant street festival of lights, culture, and community.”
Soho Road BID says, “Ten years of bringing Soho Road together to celebrate the Festival of Lights — and this year we’re marking the occasion in style! Come down for a full day of music, dance, food, shopping and fun, all set against the sparkle of our iconic Diwali lights.”
The one-day street festival is completely free, with an all-day, live stage of Bollywood, bhangra, classical music, and global fusion beats on Soho Road, alongside local talent from Birmingham’s diverse communities—including traditional dance, interactive workshops, youth performances, and more.
An artist line-up will be announced soon, but what we can expect is: authentic Indian and South Asian cuisine; a craft market full of Diwali gifts; and a range of fun fair rides and carnival-style games for the whole family. Plus, Birmingham Diwali Mela wouldn’t be complete without the spectacular festive lights switch-on.
