More than 10,000 turn out for Diwali event in Wolverhampton
More than 10,000 people have turned out in Wolverhampton to celebrate Diwali at a special event which featured entertainment, a light switch on – and a fireworks display.
The annual festival of lights was celebrated at Phoenix Park, off Dudley Road in Blakenhall, over four-and-a-half hours on Saturday evening with people attending for free.
It saw a total of 11,625 people turn out for the event hosted by The Elias Mattu Foundation in association with F9 events. It was headlined by main artist Raf Saperra.
DJ Nav Entertainments, Gaggi Dhillon, Tik Toker Patollaa, Lucky Rai, Hit The Dhol, Booboo and Napalese Dance Performance all performed during the major event.
The lights were officially turned on at 8pm before the fireworks display. The celebration was supported by the Indian Multicultural Society, Shri Krishan Mandir, Gurudwara Sikh Council and Gujrati Association.
A spokesman for Wolverhampton Council said: "Thank you to the thousands of residents who came to Phoenix Park in Blakenhall to enjoy fantastic entertainment, light switch on and fireworks display to celebrate Diwali – there were an incredible 11,625 of you there to join in the fun!"
Diwali – which falls on Monday – is known as the festival of lights, but it also a festival of new beginnings and light overcoming darkness. It is predominantly a Hindu festival, but is celebrated by many religions and communities across India and the rest of the world.
It is celebrated by lighting lamps, candles and diyas (oil lamps) indoors and windows around the home, temples, and other places of worship along with huge firework displays that light up the sky.
