Following the success of one of the biggest Diwali lights switch-on events in Leicester with over 37,000 visitors, the city is gearing up for Diwali Day festivities this weekend.
A number of performers have already been booked for the event this Saturday at Cossington Street Recreation ground. The evening will end in a spectacular firework and laser display.
For the fourth year running Alliance & Leicester is supporting Leicester City Council and the Leicester Hindu Festival Council (LHFC) for both days of Diwali Celebrations.
Cllr Roger Blackmore, leader of the council said: “Leicester’s Diwali celebrations are famous. The whole community is very proud of them, and the reputation that they have. This is a time for family and friends to get together and enjoy many events and festivities at home and in their local communities”.
Sir Derek Higgs, Chairman of Alliance & Leicester said: “Alliance & Leicester is delighted to be supporting the 2006 Diwali celebrations. The switching on of the lights was a great success and attracted thousands of visitors.
“I would like to take this opportunity wish everyone a happy, safe and peaceful Diwali and look forward to the Diwali Day celebrations.”
With the estimated number of visitors hitting the 40,000 mark, police have advised those attending to leave their cars at home after agreeing to close Belgrave Road in the evening.
Inspector Dick Clancy, commander of Belgrave local policy unit, said: “It is going to be a very busy night, and parking is going to be difficult. We would urge people to leave their cars at home and travel to the celebrations on foot or by public transport if they can. If you have to travel by car we would urge drivers to use the car parks in the city centre and walk from there.
“It is worth remembering that there are diversions in place while Watermead Way is closed between the Redhill Circle and A607 Melton Road. So people travelling from that part of Leicester are advised to allow a bit of extra time”.
