Trafalgar Square to light up as Mayor announces Diwali On The Square 2026

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced this year's Diwali On The Square will take place in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 25 October.

The free, family-friendly event will run from 1pm to 7pm, with Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds invited to join together to celebrate the Festival of Lights in the heart of the capital.

The day will open with a colourful dance sequence performed by 200 dancers in the centre of the Square. The main stage will then showcase music, dance and performances celebrating the creativity and cultural heritage of London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.

Around the Square, visitors can explore and experience arts, crafts, storytelling, yoga and meditation, and dance workshops. There will also be a variety of food stalls serving vegan and vegetarian cuisine throughout the day.

Families can enjoy StoryHour UK's Ramayana Puppet Show, which brings the Diwali story to life with handcrafted puppets, music and narration.

Delivered in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London committee, Diwali On The Square is supported by headline partner Remitly, with associate partners Lidl and Jio Hotstar.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I am delighted to invite Londoners and visitors back to Trafalgar Square for another joyful celebration of the Festival of Lights. Diwali On The Square is a highlight in our cultural calendar and a wonderful way to celebrate the enormous contribution that London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to life of our city. Diwali carries a message that speaks to us all: that light will always triumph over darkness, good will defeat evil, and compassion and goodwill can overcome division and despair. Celebrations like this one show the very best of our diverse capital as we build a better, brighter and more inclusive London for everyone." 

A spokesperson for the Diwali in London committee, said: “Diwali on the Square is brought to life by the Diwali in London committee, 13 organisations working together in a true spirit of harmony. Our unity reflects the very heart of Diwali: that light is strongest when it is shared, and that communities flourish when they stand side by side. It has been an honour for the National Hindu Students' Forum (UK) to chair the committee this year. Our theme, 'Preserving the flame, illuminating tomorrow', is about youth empowerment: honouring the values our elders have passed down while giving young people the confidence to carry them forward through service, harmony and positive action. Together, we warmly invite every Londoner to join us in Trafalgar Square on 25 October.”

A spokesperson for title partner Remitly, said: “Diwali on the Square celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, new beginnings, and the bonds that hold families and communities together. These are values we share at Remitly. We’re honoured to stand alongside London’s Indian communities as they welcome the new year, sharing the traditions, flavours, and spirit that make Diwali so special, in the UK and around the world. And long after the festival ends, we’ll keep doing what matters most: helping families stay close, wherever they are.”