The most colourful celebration of the year is almost here, and no, we’re not talking about Christmas or Bonfire Night. It’s Diwali, aka the Festival of Light – the Hindu festival that celebrates light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance – taking place on Thursday, October 31. While the UK’s biggest Diwali celebrations have already taken place in the West Midlands, there are still plenty of incredible events happening in Birmingham.
1. Midday Mantra: Diwali Festival of Light
The Midday Mantra series has become a regular celebration of South Asian music. In collaboration with B:Music, the programme will continue to delve into classical, folk, and contemporary styles in its special Diwali Festival of Light celebration on November 2. Headlining is the renowned front-man of Bhangra band DCS, Shin Parwana performing a popular mix of Bollywood classics and Punjabi ghazals. He’ll be joined by Priti Kaur, an acclaimed Indian vocalist whose repertoire ranges from Bollywood, bhangra, and bolk to this celebration. Tickets are £8, but £5 for 16 to 25-year-olds and free for under-16s, which can be purchased here.
Symphony Hall, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA
2. RSI’s Diwali Celebration
If you fancy a big Diwali bash, look no further than The New Bingley Hall. RSI is hosting a grand celebration on Saturday, November 9. Head down for a four-course meal, a Bollywood DJ, live performances, and a photo booth for the ultimate embrace of the festivities. Of course, such an incredible evening for family and friends doesn’t come cheap. It’s £42 for an adult ticket and £22 for a child, which you buy here.
The New Bingley Hall, 1 Hockley Circus, Birmingham B18 5PP
3. Diwali 2024: Festival of Lights
The New Art Gallery in Walsall will be celebrating Diwali 2024: Festival of Lights with a day of free drop-in events on Saturday, November 2 (12-4pm). There will be performances and mini-workshops from Bollywood Dream Dance, the largest Bollywood Dance company in the West Midlands, and stories from the Indian subcontinent from Peter Chand. Throughout the day, local artist Daya Bhatti will also be providing lamp-making workshops, while music will be provided by Manpaal Singh, jori player and harmonist. You can see the full itinerary by heading here.
The New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Sq, Walsall WS2 8LG
4. iCAN Birmingham & Allianz – Celebrating Diwali in The Midlands
At the end of the month, on November 21, Allianz in the Colmore Business District will host an evening to celebrate Diwali’s rich traditions and cultural significance. Between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, you will be introduced to the mission of the Diwali Basket Brigade, a community initiative led by local volunteers that extends generosity to those in need during Diwali. This free event will be filled with authentic Indian cuisine, traditional music and dance. You can your tickets here.
Allianz Insurance, 20 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham.
5. Diwali Dhamaka
The SNJ Charitable Trust, which is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged communities, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with Diwali Dhamaka at Park Hall Hotel. Taking place Saturday, November 2 from 6 pm, it costs £40 per adult and £25 per child – and includes a three-course dinner and DJ entertainment. To make a booking please contact SNJ Charitable Trust on 07823 891071 or email snjtrust@gmail.com.
Park Hall Hotel, Park Dr, Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton WV4 5AJ
6. Diwali and Thali
Get in the Diwali spirit in this painting workshop, alongside a traditional Indian thali (consisting of curries, lentils, raita and more) at Zindiya Streatery & Bar on November 2. Designed for beginners, you will have the opportunity to experiment with various patterns and colours, as you paint your own Indian-inspired canvas print and three hand-fired clay divas. To learn more about this workshop head here.
Zindiya Streatery & Bar, 21 Woodbridge Rd, Birmingham B13 8EJ
7. Diwali Light Trail
The Diwali Light Trail returns with a spooky Halloween twist to Parkridge Nature Reserve from October 31 to November 3. Venture around the trail between 4.30pm and 8pm for an uplifting, colourful evening. Tickets start at £3.50 and can be purchased here.
The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Solihull B91 3HG
8. Diwali Lantern Making
During Diwali, homes are illuminated with candles and lanterns, which is why Swan Shopping Centre will host a Diwali Lantern Making on Friday, November, 1. So light up your little ones’ creativity as they craft their very own paper lantern between 11am-4pm! They will have all the colourful paper, glitter and materials they need at the free Mini Swan’s Kids Club.
Swan Shopping Centre, 20 Church Rd, Birmingham B26 1AD