Birmingham’s biggest Diwali party has been cancelled for the second year in a row. After what should’ve been the Diwali Mela’s 10th anniversary on Soho Road, the Festival of Lights was unexpectedly cancelled over a “funding freeze” last year. It’s now been postponed for a wholly different reason.
With celebrations set to return on Sunday, October 12, Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID) has made the last-minute decision not to go ahead with the event. In a recent meeting with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), concerns were raised “by the recent attack in Manchester”, among other things.
“It has been determined that the event cannot go ahead as planned. This conclusion was reached after careful consideration, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of all potential attendees as highlighted by the recent attack in Manchester and evolving statutory requirements, including Martyn’s Law.”
Martyn’s Law was introduced earlier this year and is named in honour of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. It requires larger premises and events to “be better prepared and protected, ready to respond in the event of a terrorist attack. ”
For a religious festival that symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, this doesn’t feel like great news. However, Soho Road BID is currently in “ongoing dialogue with the SAG to secure a future date for the postponed 10th Birmingham Premier Diwali Mela.”
“We share the disappointment felt by the community and all stakeholders and assure you that every possible avenue was explored in the effort to host this event as scheduled. The Soho Road BID remains committed to the safety, prosperity, and vibrancy of our local area, and we will provide further updates on rescheduling in due course.”