The Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) is delighted to collaborate with the Federation of Young Indians to organise the spectacular grand Diwali celebration in the West of England region, at the Winter Gardens, Royal Parade, Weston-super-Mare, Bristol, BS23 1AJ, on Monday, 20th October 2025, from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
This magnificent celebration promises to be the largest indoor Diwali festival in the UK, featuring captivating live orchestral music, vibrant dance and cultural performances, and a festive atmosphere filled with colour, light, and joy. More than 2,000 music and art enthusiasts, along with dignitaries, artists, businesses, and community leaders, will come together to grace the event. Over 150 artists will perform a wide variety of music, dance, and cultural programmes, showcasing the richness and diversity of South Asian arts, culture and heritage. The food, clothing, and jewellery stalls will enhance the Diwali vibe and offer attendees a true taste of Indian cuisine, fashion and tradition.
A partial section of the programme chart is shown below. Everyone is most cordially invited to join this joyful evening of music, dance, and unity.
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished festivals across the world. It celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Mayor Emeritus Cllr Tom Aditya, Chairman of the Multi-Faith Forum, said: “Beyond its religious and cultural roots, Diwali carries a universal message of hope, renewal, and unity — values that deeply resonate with the mission of the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum. It reminds us that even a single light can dispel darkness, and that harmony among diverse communities brings lasting brightness to our world.
The United Kingdom is also celebrating its diversity and fairness along with this festival. Diwali has become a symbol of multiculturalism and togetherness in the UK. The festival serves as a bridge, connecting various cultures and cultivating harmony among people of different backgrounds. It is also a platform for cross-cultural learning, promoting understanding and respect. The festival’s core message of light overcoming darkness, knowledge triumphing over ignorance, and good prevailing over evil resonates deeply, fostering positivity and unity. Diwali is a celebration of diversity, a reminder of shared values, and an invitation for all to join in the celebration of light, love, and unity. The festival of lights isn’t just for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. It is relevant to those of all faiths and none. Let’s also hold our hearts in solidarity with all those in distress and, unfortunately, unable to relish the charm or cheer of festivities.
We are delighted to support the Federation of Young Indians, led by Mr Akhilesh and the dedicated team of community champions, in coordinating this fantastic event. It is inspiring to see the Indian Community of the West of England, together with various organisations and businesses, joining as partners and stakeholders. With the participation of many dignitaries and artists, this promises to be a truly memorable celebration — a festival of light, community, and togetherness.”
ITV West Country TV channel will be covering the event live on their 6 pm news, and the BBC and a few other national media channels will also cover the event.
Let’s come together to celebrate Diwali 2025—a festival that shines with joy, compassion, and community spirit.
🗓 Date: Monday, 20th October 2025
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Venue: Winter Gardens, Weston-Super-Mare, Bristol, BS23 1AJ
🎟️ Entry: All attendees are requested to take a £5 raffle ticket for entry, which will also make them eligible for exciting prizes.
To join the celebration, please book your entry ticket via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diwali-tickets-1701115745989 or email info@bristolmultifaithforum.org.uk. A limited number of raffle tickets shall also be available at the door.
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Partial Programme Chart
Grand Diwali Festival: 20th October 2025
Winter Gardens, Royal Parade, Weston Super Mare, BS23 1AJ.
- 4.00 pm: Opening of Food Stalls, Clothes Stalls and Jewellery Stalls.
- 5.00 pm: Music programme: Shri Athul Narukara, renowned singer & folklorist from India, ‘Palapalli fame’.
- 5.30 pm: Welcome Speech- Mr Akhilesh Madhav, Coordinator
- 5.35 pm: Community Greetings – Mrs Sinju Sabin, FYI Chair
- 5.38 pm: Inauguration- Cllr Martin Williams, Hon. Mayor of Weston
- 5.43 pm: Chief Guest- Honourable Dan Aldridge MP, Weston Super Mare
- 5.50 pm: Special Guest- Honourable Sojan Joseph MP, Ashford
- 5.55 pm: Guest of Honour- Mrs Janet Montgomery, High Sheriff, Somerset
- 6.00 pm: Guest of Honour- Cllr Tom Aditya, Ex Mayor & BMFF Chairman
- 6.05 pm: Diwali Message- Prof. Dr Parag Singhal OBE, CEO, BAPIO TA
- 6.10 pm: Greetings- Mr Denis Burn MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset
- 6.12 pm: Greetings –Rev. Narinder Tegally, Dy. Lieutenant of Somerset
- 6.14 pm: Greetings- Mrs Caroline Boddington, Dy. Lieutenant, Somerset
- 6.16 pm: Felicitation- Dr Biju Peringathara, UUKMA Ex-President
- 6.18 pm: Felicitation: Mr Sayd Ahmed, South Asian Cultural Forum Lead
- 6.20 pm: Felicitation- Barrister Aishah Ahmed, Aishah’s Food Charity
- 6.22 pm: Felicitation- Mr Sanju Varghese, President, WMCA
- 6.24 pm: Vote of Thanks- Mr Deepu KS, Secretary, FYI Community ************************
- 6.30 pm: Music, Dance and Cultural Programmes continue
- 6.31 pm: Mohiniyattam Kerala classical dance- Mrs Merry Jos, BMFF
- 6.40 pm: Song- Mr Pramod
- 6.45 pm: Kuchipudi Indian classical dance- Ms Riya Saviour
- 6.55 pm: Song- Mr Bony
- 7.00 pm: Dance- Krishna and team
- 7.10 pm: Dance- Isha Ajay and team
- 7.20 pm: Sony- Shinu
- 7.30 pm: Kids Dance
- 7.40 pm: Bollywood Dance- Megna & Negma
- 7.50 pm: Dance- Niya and team
- 8.00 pm: Songs
- 8.10 pm: Cinematic Dance- Krishna and team
- 8.15 pm: Kathak dance- Shalu and team
- 8.25 pm: Chenda Melam (vibrant rhythmic percussion of drums)
- 9.00 pm: Cinematic Dance- Vincy and team
- 9.10 pm: Dance- Isha Ajay and team
- 9.20 pm: Bollywood Dance- Shalu and team
- 9.30 pm: Mashup Dance- Vincy and team
- 9.40 pm: Power Song- Mr Athul Narukara
- 9.58 pm: Raffle prizes draw: Cllr Tom Aditya & Mr Akhilesh
- 9.59 pm: Event Anchors – Saraswathi Menon & Dhanya Rahul
- 10.00 pm: DJ Music
- 11.00 pm: Finale and wrap-up.
The Winter Gardens is one of Weston-super-Mare’s most iconic buildings. Located right on the seafront, with public access directly from the seafront (Royal Parade), BS23 1AJ.
Parking
We recommend parking in the Sovereign Shopping Centre car park, situated behind the Winter Gardens. Enter via St. Margaret’s Terrace. Parking is payable on exit by cash or card. From the Sovereign Shopping Centre, proceed to the main seafront and the left-hand wing of the Winter Gardens.
Please be aware that the Sovereign Shopping Centre can become busy at times. For evening events, which finish later than the normal closing times for the Sovereign Centre, Winter Gardens management arranges for extended hours. Please check before leaving your car.
By Foot
Weston Winter Gardens is on the seafront (Royal Parade) in Weston-super-Mare. Winter Gardens is around a 2-minute walk from the High Street through the Italian Gardens.
By Train
Weston Train Station, the nearest station, is just over half a mile from the Winter Gardens. The walk is mostly flat.
By Bus
Most buses in and around Weston-super-Mare serve the town centre, which is just a few minutes walk from the Winter Gardens. The number 7 bus stops outside. For more details, visit TravelWest.info
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Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) is an organisation instituted by the Bristol City Council in 2004 to lead inter-faith community cohesion and inter-cultural social harmony activities in the region, and to promote community well-being. BMFF is the active voice of harmony and community cohesion in the West of England region.
