Northampton’s much-loved Diwali Winter Festival of Lights will return to the town centre this autumn, with residents and visitors invited to join the celebrations.
The annual celebration, organised by the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation (IHWO), will mark its 26th anniversary on Saturday, 31 October, bringing a day of cultural activities, entertainment, food and festivities to Northampton’s Market Square.
The free event will run from 10am until 8pm, with visitors able to enjoy cultural stalls, food and drink, arts and crafts, henna painting, saree dressing and live entertainment on the Market Square.
The highlight of the day will once again be the spectacular Diwali parade, which will bring the streets of Northampton town centre to life with illuminated puppets, lanterns and community participants.
The parade is expected to take place at around 6pm, with the route set to be confirmed nearer the event. Further details will be announced as plans for this year’s procession are finalised.
The event has become a much-loved fixture in Northampton’s annual calendar, attracting thousands of people from across the town and providing an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and experience one of the world’s most important Hindu festivals.
Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, Chair of the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, said:”What started as a small community celebration has grown into something that brings people from across our town together, and we are incredibly proud of how the event has developed over the years.
“Diwali is about light, hope, positivity and coming together, and those are messages that we feel are particularly important right now. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Market Square for another fantastic day of celebrations and, of course, seeing the spectacular parade bring the town centre to life once again.
“There is a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make this event possible, and we are grateful to all of our volunteers, partners and supporters who continue to help us make Diwali such a special occasion for Northampton.”
Cllr Keith Holland-Delamere, Chair of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, said:”Diwali is a fantastic example of how Northampton’s diverse communities come together to celebrate culture and tradition while inviting everyone to be part of the occasion. Whether you come for the food, entertainment and activities during the day or to watch the magical parade in the evening, there will be something for everyone.”
The 2026 festival is being supported by Northampton Town Council, West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Town Centre BID, alongside University of Northampton, Grosvenor, Inspiration Arts, Rost Productions, Stage Right Productions, AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inspiration FM 107.8, Royal & Derngate Northampton and Northampton College.
Diwali, often known as the Festival of Lights, is an important Hindu celebration representing the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. Across the world, families and communities celebrate with lights, food, cultural activities and gatherings.
For updates, follow Northampton Town Council and the IHWO on social media.
