Diwali Carousel - Image courtesy of Phive

Dashehra and Diwali Mela celebrations set to light up Albert Square

Diwali and celebrations are set to light up Albert Square as the 12th annual Dashehra Diwali Mela takes place this weekend.

Organised by the Indian Association Manchester, the free event on Saturday will feature live entertainment across two stages during the day. This will feature musical and dance performances from the likes of Bollywood Brass Band, music by Channi Singh OBE and Mona Singh, Nachda Sansaar Bhangra dancers, and many more.

The event will also host stores selling everything from Indian clothes and food to crafts for Diwali. In addition, the mela event will offer craft workshops for both children and adults.

Around 7pm, a traditional lantern procession will embark from Manchester Central Library, with around 200 children from Greater Manchester schools taking part. Lantern workshops will also be taking place on the day from 11am-1.30pm and 2-4 pm, giving the opportunity to anyone wanting to make their own lantern and take part in the procession.

The celebration will then go out with a bang, with pyrotechnics from outdoor art aficionados walk the plank at 9pm, with a finale piece entitled `A Blessing From Durga`.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, said: “There is always a fantastic atmosphere at this event as different communities from across the city celebrate together.”