Diwali is the Festival of Lights — and across the UK, communities mark it with spectacular firework displays, fire shows, and cultural events. Here's where to celebrate in 2026.
Diwali — the Hindu Festival of Lights — is one of the most joyful and visually spectacular celebrations in the world. Marking the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, it's traditionally celebrated with oil lamps (diyas), sweets, family gatherings, and of course, fireworks. In the UK, Diwali has grown from a community celebration into a major public event, with cities across the country putting on spectacular shows that welcome everyone.
Here's where to find the best Diwali firework celebrations in the UK for 2026.
When Is Diwali 2026?
Diwali falls on a different date each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2026, Diwali falls on 20th October. The celebrations typically span five days, with the main night of fireworks on the evening of Diwali itself.
Leicester — The UK's Biggest Diwali Outside India
Leicester has one of the largest British-Asian communities in the UK, and its Diwali celebration is extraordinary. The Golden Mile — Belgrave Road — is transformed with over 6,000 lights, and the main celebration draws upwards of 35,000 people for a firework display that rivals anything in the country.
The celebration includes live music, cultural performances, street food stalls stretching for half a mile, and a firework finale over Cossington Street Recreation Ground. It's genuinely one of the great British public events and well worth travelling to if you've never been.
Leicester Diwali: Free entry, Belgrave Road and surrounding area. Fireworks typically 8pm. Check Leicester City Council's website for 2026 timings.
London
London has dozens of Diwali events across its boroughs, reflecting the capital's enormous British-Asian population.
Trafalgar Square Diwali
The Mayor of London's official Diwali on the Square event transforms Trafalgar Square with stage performances, cultural displays, and a spectacular finale. It's usually held on the weekend closest to Diwali and attracts enormous crowds. Free entry.
Wembley, North London
The area around Wembley has a large Gujarati community and hosts some of the most authentic and well-attended local celebrations. Many temples hold public firework events in local parks.
Harrow Diwali Mela
Harrow has one of London's highest concentrations of Hindu and Jain communities. The annual Diwali Mela in Harrow features traditional music, dance, and fireworks.
Southall, West London
Southall's main street is decorated extensively and local temples hold celebrations throughout the Diwali period.
Birmingham
Birmingham's large South Asian community means Diwali is celebrated widely across the city. Handsworth Park regularly hosts an official Birmingham Diwali event with live entertainment and fireworks. The Lozells and Handsworth areas also have community-organised street events.
Manchester
Manchester holds an official Diwali in the City event in Piccadilly Gardens, with performances and a firework display. The Rusholme area — Manchester's Curry Mile — also comes alive over Diwali with restaurants and community events.
Bradford
Bradford has a significant Hindu and Sikh population and hosts Diwali celebrations across the city, centred around Centenary Square. Community firework events take place at several local parks.
Glasgow and Edinburgh
Scotland's South Asian communities celebrate Diwali with increasing scale year on year. Glasgow's celebration is usually centred around the city centre, with Edinburgh hosting events in partnership with the local Hindu Mandir.
How to Celebrate Diwali Safely with Fireworks
Many families buy their own fireworks to celebrate Diwali at home. If you're doing this:
- Buy from a licenced retailer — find one near you on FireworkFinder
- Check local restrictions — the standard firework curfew applies on Diwali (until 1am)
- Be neighbour-friendly — let those nearby know you'll be celebrating
- Follow the [Firework Code](/safety) in full
- Respect pets — animals don't understand why the sky is exploding
If you'd rather leave it to the professionals, browse Diwali events near you on FireworkFinder.
The Spirit of Diwali
Whatever your background, Diwali is an invitation to celebrate light, community, and the joy of being together. The UK's Diwali celebrations have become some of the most inclusive and welcoming public events in the calendar — you don't need to be Hindu, Jain, or Sikh to turn up and share in the atmosphere.
Whether you're watching 35,000 people light up Leicester's Golden Mile or sitting in your garden with a box of sparklers and a box of sweets, have a wonderful Diwali 2026.
*Shubh Deepawali.*
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