"Diwali On The Square is a highlight in our cultural calendar"
London’s Trafalgar Square will light up as Diwali On The Square takes place on October 25, 2026.
The free, family-friendly event, announced by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, will run from 1 pm to 7 pm. It welcomes people of all backgrounds to take part in the celebrations in the heart of the capital.
Diwali On The Square will open with a colourful dance sequence featuring 200 dancers performing in the centre of Trafalgar Square.
The main stage will then host music, dance and performances celebrating the creativity and cultural heritage of London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.
Visitors can also explore arts and crafts, storytelling, yoga and meditation sessions, alongside dance workshops taking place around the Square.
A variety of food stalls will serve vegan and vegetarian cuisine throughout the day.
Families can watch StoryHour UK’s Ramayana Puppet Show, which brings the story of Diwali to life through handcrafted puppets, music and narration.
Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted to invite Londoners and visitors back to Trafalgar Square for another joyful celebration of the Festival of Lights.
“Diwali On The Square is a highlight in our cultural calendar and a wonderful way to celebrate the enormous contribution that London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to life of our city.
“Diwali carries a message that speaks to us all: that light will always triumph over darkness, good will defeat evil, and compassion and goodwill can overcome division and despair.
“Celebrations like this one show the very best of our diverse capital as we build a better, brighter and more inclusive London for everyone.”
Delivered in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London committee, the event is supported by headline partner Remitly, with Lidl and Jio Hotstar serving as associate partners.
A spokesperson for the Diwali in London committee said: “Diwali on the Square is brought to life by the Diwali in London committee, 13 organisations working together in a true spirit of harmony.
“Our unity reflects the very heart of Diwali: that light is strongest when it is shared, and that communities flourish when they stand side by side.
“It has been an honour for the National Hindu Students’ Forum (UK) to chair the committee this year.
“Our theme, ‘Preserving the flame, illuminating tomorrow’, is about youth empowerment: honouring the values our elders have passed down while giving young people the confidence to carry them forward through service, harmony and positive action.
“Together, we warmly invite every Londoner to join us in Trafalgar Square on 25 October.”
A spokesperson for title partner Remitly added: “Diwali on the Square celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, new beginnings, and the bonds that hold families and communities together.
“These are values we share at Remitly.
“We’re honoured to stand alongside London’s Indian communities as they welcome the new year, sharing the traditions, flavours, and spirit that make Diwali so special, in the UK and around the world.
“And long after the festival ends, we’ll keep doing what matters most: helping families stay close, wherever they are.”
