Shine bright with colourful Diwali celebrations

This October, Highcross Leicester is set to light up with a series of events celebrating Diwali, the ‘festival of lights’, where shoppers can look forward to a vibrant pop-up Bazaar and an immersive Light Garden.

Most associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, Diwali - also known as Deepavali or Deepawali - is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism, and celebrates the coming together of communities in joy, light and tradition.

On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October, East Square, near Luke 1977 and Damaged Society. Will welcome the Diwali Bazaar, gathering more than 16 independent market stalls showcasing traditional clothing, handcrafted gifts, jewellery, authentic Indian sweets, and savoury street food.

With live music, cultural performances and family-friendly workshops and activities, the Bazaar will capture the joyful spirit of one of Leicester’s most spectacular festivals.

Alongside the vibrant market, from Monday 20 to Friday 24 October, shoppers can experience Highcross’ Diwali Light Garden.

Open daily from 2pm to 6pm on the lower mall, outside Damage Society and Luke 1977, the free interactive space offers a calm, creative retreat where visitors can craft their own diva candle, a traditional small decorative candle lit during the Hindu festival of Diwali, and enjoy the colourful celebrations with no booking required.

Completing the celebrations, Lush will be offering workshops where visitors can learn to hand-make bath bombs and explore their exclusive Diwali product range, and Space NK will host a festive glam session with Kay Beauty ambassadors. Visitors can also enjoy their chai pop-up cart outside the store.

Speaking about the centre’s festival of light celebrations, Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, said:

“Diwali is one of Leicester’s most treasured celebrations, at a time when our city comes alive with colour, light and togetherness. We’re proud to play a part in that at Highcross, celebrating our communities and helping to create moments that bring families and friends together right in the heart of the city.

“This year’s celebrations are all about experience, from the buzz and flavour of the Diwali Bazaar to the calm creativity of our Light Garden and the beauty of the Rangoli display - we look forward to visitors enjoying the festival of light with us here at Highcross

All Highcross Diwali activities are free to attend, but visitors can book their tickets for the Diwali Bazaar, here: https://www.thediwalibazaar.com/

For further information about Highcross and upcoming events, visit www.highcrossleicester.com/ or follow the centre’s social media channels – Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.