No fireworks for Diwali as stage show set to return
BBCA fireworks display will not be part of this year's Diwali celebrations in Leicester, but a cultural stage show is expected to return as part of the festivities.
The Labour-run Leicester City Council said cultural activities, including community dance and music, were proposed to return to Cossington Recreation Ground on 8 November.
This comes after large numbers in 2024 prompted the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to announce elements of the event could not go ahead in 2025, including staged entertainment and fireworks.
The council said SAG had given "in principle approval" to some activities to return, but "in the interest of public safety", there would be no public fireworks display.
The council said the return of activities to the park would also reduce congestion on the nearby Belgrave and Melton Roads, which are the focus of the celebrations.
The authority said the Wheel of Light would be on Belgrave Road, and rangoli artworks would be on display in Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre.
It added Leicester's Diwali lights would be switched on without ceremony two weeks before the celebrations.
Graham Callister, head of festivals, events and cultural policy at the council, said SAG had given its "in principle approval" to the proposals - subject to the submission of a formal event management plan.
Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture, said: "Diwali will always be a huge part of Leicester's cultural calendar, and I am delighted that we've been able to safely develop this year's event.
"Reintroducing activity on to Cossington Park will allow us to bring back some of the most popular elements of the celebrations, and safely welcome the many people who want to join in Leicester's celebrations."
The council said full details of the celebrations would be publicised later in the year.
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