"the event cannot go ahead as planned."
The Birmingham Diwali Mela 2025 has been postponed over safety concerns just days before it was due to take place.
Organisers cited “safety fears and evolving statutory requirements” as the reason for the decision.
It comes after the recent knife attack in Manchester, which saw two people killed at a synagogue.
The mela was scheduled for October 12, 2025, on Soho Road in Handsworth.
The event, which attracts thousands each year, features music, fireworks, food and fairground rides.
In a statement, organisers said they had to “prioritise the safety and well-being of all potential attendees as highlighted by the recent attack in Manchester”.
The Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID) team confirmed that “every possible avenue was explored in the effort to host this event”.
However, they said the decision followed consultation with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and consideration of “evolving statutory requirements”, including Martyn’s Law.
In a post shared on social media, the Soho Road BID team said:
“This notice is issued by the Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID) for the attention of all BID Levy Payers, stakeholders and our community.
“Following our latest meeting with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), it has been determined that the event cannot go ahead as planned.
“This conclusion was reached after careful consideration, prioritising the safety and well-being of all potential attendees as highlighted by the recent attack in Manchester and evolving statutory requirements, including Martyn’s Law.
“We are actively engaged in ongoing dialogue with the SAG to secure a future date for the postponed 10th Birmingham Premier Diwali Mela (2025).
“We share the disappointment felt by the community and all stakeholders and assure you that every possible avenue was explored in the effort to host this event as scheduled.
“The Soho Road BID remains committed to the safety, prosperity, and vibrancy of our local area, and we will provide further updates on rescheduling in due course.”
It marks the second consecutive year of disruption for the event, after the 2024 edition was cancelled due to a funding freeze.
The Diwali Mela is one of Birmingham’s biggest community events, celebrating the festival with colour, music and performances.
Soho Road and Holyhead Road are usually illuminated with decorations and lights during the festivities.
Diwali will be celebrated on October 20, 2025. Organisers say they hope to reschedule the postponed mela to a later date.
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