Diwali in Leicester: 2025's Celebrations On The Golden Mile

If there’s one place in the UK that knows how to throw a proper Diwali party, it’s Leicester. Every autumn, the city’s Golden Mile on Belgrave Road is transformed into a glowing sea of lights, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. For many, it’s the highlight of the cultural calendar — a mix of tradition, family, food, and fireworks (well, sometimes).

Leicester has one of the largest Hindu communities in the UK, making its Diwali celebrations some of the most significant outside India. The festival usually kicks off with a switch-on event in mid-October and continues with the main Diwali Day celebrations in early November. At the heart of it all is the Golden Mile: lined with shops, restaurants, and sweet stalls, it becomes the stage for a two-week celebration of light triumphing over darkness.

However, this year's traditional Diwali celebrations are due to have a major change and people aren't happy.

The Famous Golden Mile Lights

The Golden Mile lights aren’t your average string of fairy bulbs. Stretching down Belgrave Road, they’re an illuminated spectacle that rivals some Christmas displays. Each year, new designs are added to keep things fresh, while traditional motifs like diyas (oil lamps), lotuses, and elephants shine brightly above the crowds.

For families, simply walking the Golden Mile during Diwali is an event in itself. Shops sell traditional clothing and jewellery, restaurants overflow with festive feasts, and sweet shops are piled high with laddoos, jalebis, and barfi. The atmosphere is electric — even without the crack of fireworks.

Fireworks, Safety, And Debate

For years, fireworks have been a staple of Leicester’s Diwali celebrations — huge displays that lit up the sky to mark both the switch-on and Diwali Day itself. But in recent years, safety concerns have sparked debate.

This year, Leicester City Council have announced there would be no fireworks or staged performances due to crowd management worries. The decision followed advice from the city’s Safety Advisory Group, especially after last year’s switch-on attracted around 50,000 people.

Local MP Shivani Raja criticised the move, arguing that Diwali in Leicester is “under threat” and that the festival deserves to remain a full-scale celebration. Whether fireworks return in future years remains to be seen — but the conversation itself shows how central they are to Diwali’s spirit.

If you’re curious about why fireworks are such a big deal at Diwali, check out our full guide: Why Fireworks Are Integral To Diwali.

Leicester Compared To Global Celebrations

Leicester’s Diwali is one of the biggest outside India, but it’s not the only one making headlines. In the United States, states like New York and Pennsylvania have declared Diwali public holidays. In London, Trafalgar Square hosts its own Diwali festival with dance, food, and cultural performances and Edinburgh has previously been voted one of the top places to celebrate Diwali globally.

Still, Leicester’s Golden Mile has a unique charm. Unlike one-off city-centre events, it’s rooted in a neighbourhood with a strong Hindu community, giving the celebrations authenticity and longevity.

While debates over fireworks continue, the lights themselves remain a thing of pride for the city.

Practical Tips For Visiting Leicester Diwali

Thinking of heading to Leicester for Diwali? Here are some tips to make the most of it:

• Arrive early: Crowds build quickly, especially on switch-on and Diwali Day.

• Use public transport: Belgrave Road is usually closed to traffic — buses and trains are your best bet.

• Bring cash: Many sweet stalls and smaller shops still prefer it.

• Dress warmly: The lights are beautiful, but it can get chilly standing outside for hours.

• Sample the sweets: Jalebis from Leicester’s Golden Mile are worth the trip alone.

A Celebration That Shines On

Even with changes year to year, Leicester’s Diwali celebrations remain a spectacular display of culture, community, and light. Whether there are fireworks in the sky or not, the spirit of the festival of lights will be alive and well on the Golden Mile.

For a deeper dive into the traditions and history of the Festival of Lights, don’t miss our companion guides:

• Diwali and Fireworks: The Festival of Lights Explained
• Diwali Facts: A Guide To The Festival Of Lights
• Why Fireworks Are Integral To Diwali

Because whether you’re in Leicester, London, or Lucknow, Diwali’s message is the same: light always wins.

FAQ: Diwali In Leicester

When is Diwali in Leicester?

Diwali usually falls between mid-October and mid-November, with celebrations on the Golden Mile tied to the lunar calendar. In 2025, it runs from the 19th to the 22nd of October, with the light switch on happening on the 20th of October.

Where do the celebrations take place?

The heart of the action is Belgrave Road — Leicester’s Golden Mile — which is closed to traffic for the festival.

Are there fireworks at Leicester’s Diwali?

Usually there's a huge display but it has been cancelled for 2025's Diwali celebrations. Always check the latest updates.

Is Leicester’s Diwali free to attend?

Yes, the Golden Mile lights and outdoor celebrations are free, though you’ll want to budget for food, sweets, and shopping.

How many people attend?

Tens of thousands attend each year. The switch-on event can attract crowds of 40,000–50,000 people.

Bring The Festival Home With Your Own Diwali Display

Can’t imagine Diwali without fireworks? You don’t have to. Our ready-made Diwali DIY display packs give you everything you need, whether you’ve got a small back garden or a full family gathering planned.

Each pack comes with a carefully chosen mix of fireworks, plus all the kit you need: safety gear, portfires, and a step-by-step firing guide designed to make you look like a pro (without the stress).

There’s a range to suit every budget, so whether you’re after a few dazzling bursts or a full-on mini Golden Mile in your garden, we’ve got you covered.

Explore our Diwali DIY packs today and bring the sparkle of Leicester’s Festival of Lights home.