"Soho Road transforms into a vibrant street festival of lights"
The Birmingham Diwali Mela is returning in 2026, with organisers promising an extra special celebration to mark its 10th anniversary.
The popular event will take place on October 25, from 12 noon until 7:30 pm, transforming Soho Road in Handsworth into a street festival celebrating Diwali, culture and community.
The date also falls during the first weekend of the school half-term, giving families the chance to attend without having to worry about school the following morning.
It will see Birmingham’s biggest Diwali celebration return with live entertainment, food, shopping and family activities throughout the day.
A spokesman for Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID) said:
“Soho Road BID is delighted to bring back Birmingham’s biggest Diwali celebration for a very special 10th anniversary year!
“Join us on Sunday, October 25, from 12 noon until 7:30 pm, as Soho Road transforms into a vibrant street festival of lights, culture, and community.”
Visitors can expect live stage entertainment and fairground rides, alongside shopping stalls lining Soho Road.
The celebration will continue into the evening with a special festive lights switch-on, marking the Festival of Lights and the event’s 10-year milestone.
The spokesperson added: “Ten years of bringing Soho Road together to celebrate the Festival of Lights and this year, we’re marking the occasion in style!
“Come down for a full day of music, dance, food, shopping and fun, all set against the sparkle of our iconic Diwali lights.
“Bring your family and friends and be part of Birmingham’s biggest Diwali street festival – see you there!”
The 2025 edition faced disruption over safety concerns, with organisers citing “safety fears and evolving statutory requirements” as the reason for the decision.
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.
It came after the knife attack in Manchester, which saw two people killed at a synagogue.
Meanwhile, the 2024 event was cancelled due to a funding freeze.
With Soho Road set to become the centre of Birmingham’s Diwali celebrations once again, the 2026 event is expected to bring families and communities together for a day of festivities.
The 10th anniversary celebration will combine the traditional spirit of Diwali with live entertainment, food, shopping and activities, before culminating in the evening lights switch-on.
