Tens of thousands of people gathered on Leicester’s famous Golden Mile on Sunday to watch the annual switching on of the Diwali lights.
An estimated thirty five thousand people turned out to witness the Diwali lights switch-on, which is now a celebrated multicultural event and a Leicester tradition which has won an award for being the biggest Diwali Celebration outside of India, bringing members of the public from across the Midlands and the UK.
People were entertained by colourful dancers, music, fire jugglers and a spectacular fireworks display, as well as the light switch on itself.
A giant 110 foot Ferris wheel was another new addition this year.
The giant, white wheel, known as The Leicester Wheel of Light, has been built on Belgrave Road and will stay there until Sunday November 15, as part of the city’s Diwali celebrations.
Diwali, the festival of light marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Many in attendance at the switch on, were not only impressed by the dance performances and the extravagant firework display, but how different communities all came together. The city is expecting more visitors on Diwali day itself on Wednesday 11 November.
