A landmark arts and heritage project has been launched in Leicester to celebrate over four decades of the city’s Diwali celebrations — once hailed among the largest outside India.
Titled We Bring Light: Leicester’s Diwali Legacy, the community-led initiative marks 42 years since the city’s first Diwali lights switch-on in 1983.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Developed over two years and led by local arts organisation Inspirate, the project officially launched this month and runs through to Diwali on October 20th. In a time of public funding cuts and scaled-back festivities, We Bring Light aims to keep the spirit of Diwali alive through storytelling, art, and education.
The initiative includes a large-scale mural on Belgrave Road, a short documentary film, a city-wide postcard campaign, a public lantern display made by local schoolchildren, and a dedicated digital archive capturing Leicester’s Diwali history.
“Generations have celebrated Diwali lights switch-on and we are here to honour their story,” said Jiten Anand, Executive Director of Inspirate. “We want to bring hope and light to the people of Leicester, and the rest of the world. Hopefully, our project can add a little to that story.”
The project’s launch is especially significant in light of recent budget constraints. Earlier this year, Leicester City Council withdrew funding for the traditional Diwali switch-on event — a staple of the city’s cultural calendar — citing financial pressure. While Belgrave Road will still feature lights and a road closure this year, there will be no fireworks, stage entertainment, or official ceremony.
In this context, We Bring Light serves as a powerful reminder of Diwali’s lasting legacy in Leicester, driven by the resilience and creativity of its communities.
Backed by headline sponsor Marshmallow — a tech company supporting migrants in the UK — the project celebrates the cultural contributions of South Asian diaspora communities and the importance of belonging.
“We’re proud to sponsor We Bring Light,” said Meghan Elliot of Marshmallow. “This project shines a spotlight on resilience, diversity, and human connection. Supporting it is a natural extension of our mission to empower those who step outside the norm to create brighter futures.”
Telling Leicester’s Diwali Story
Led by researcher Malini Chakrabarty, the project engaged hundreds of local residents in gathering personal stories, memories, and materials that span generations. The results have been brought to life through a series of artistic and educational elements:
- Short Documentary Film: Directed by filmmaker Kieran Vyas, the ten-minute film follows three individuals representing the past, present and future of Leicester’s Diwali experience — highlighting how the festival has evolved into one of the UK’s most iconic public celebrations.
- Lantern Display: At a community event on October 9th, lanterns made by local schoolchildren in artist-led workshops will be displayed, symbolising how the Diwali story continues through the next generation.
- Interactive Website: Created by artist Sharonjit Sutton, the We Bring Light website offers a digital archive of stories, photos, and creative works. It features a detailed historical timeline, community interviews, and new commissioned pieces including an original soundtrack and illustrated postcards.
- Postcard Campaign: 10,000 postcards, inspired by community stories, will be distributed city-wide. Digital versions will also be made available globally.
- Shine Your Light Mural: Artist Shiraaz Ali is producing a vibrant street art mural on Belgrave Road, celebrating Leicester’s Diwali legacy in bold colour and symbolism. The mural, located in the heart of the traditional festival zone, will serve as a year-round landmark of cultural pride.
Legacy of Light
Since the first switch-on in 1983, Leicester’s Diwali celebrations have grown from intimate gatherings in living rooms to one of the largest Diwali events outside India, drawing crowds of up to 40,000 people in peak years.
As the UK continues to navigate shifting political and economic challenges, We Bring Light offers a timely reflection on how migration, identity, and culture are intertwined — and how community heritage projects can safeguard those stories.
“We’re an arts organisation telling the story of the city’s heritage,” said Anand. “We want to do what we can to keep Diwali alive.”
With creativity at its core and community at its heart, We Bring Light ensures that Leicester’s Diwali legacy continues to illuminate the city — even in challenging times.
