Blackpool celebrates Diwali at Winter Gardens as plans unveiled for international cultural festival
“I am incredibly proud of our volunteers, committee members and supporters, whose dedication and hard work have enabled us to deliver so many activities throughout the year.”
Blackpool's Winter Gardens was transformed into a celebration of colour, music and culture as hundreds of people from different backgrounds came together for the Fylde Coast Hindu Society's annual Diwali celebration.
The event took place on Saturday, November 7, bringing communities together for an evening of traditional food, dance, music and entertainment in recognition of the Festival of Lights. Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, with its message of hope, kindness and togetherness extending beyond Hindu traditions.
For the Fylde Coast Hindu Society (FCHS), the celebration also marked the culmination of a busy year of community activities, including Holi celebrations, the Indian Cultural Festival at Blackpool's Comedy Carpet, the Fylde Coast's first Ganesh Festival, Garba Night, community lunches, yoga and Bollywood dance classes, monthly gatherings and educational visits to local schools.
Society chairman Mr Chirag Khajuria said: “Diwali is a time of joy, reflection and new beginnings, but above all, it is a celebration of light, hope and togetherness.
“Our aim has always been to bring people together through faith, culture and heritage. We firmly believe that understanding one another’s traditions and celebrating our differences helps us build a stronger, more inclusive and harmonious community.
“Seeing people from different backgrounds coming together to celebrate Diwali is a wonderful reminder that cultural celebrations are not just about preserving traditions, but about creating friendships, breaking down barriers and strengthening the bonds that unite us.
“I am incredibly proud of our volunteers, committee members and supporters, whose dedication and hard work have enabled us to deliver so many activities throughout the year.”
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International cultural festival planned for 2027
Looking ahead, the society is preparing to launch the Fylde Coast International Cultural Festival (FCICF) in 2027.
The proposed two-day event, featuring activities in Blackpool and Wyre, aims to bring together communities from across the region to showcase their cultural identities and shared heritage.
The festival will feature traditional food, music, dance, clothing, languages, arts and heritage, alongside community workshops and activities throughout the year.
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Mr Khajuria added: “Our vision for 2027 is to take community cohesion to another level. We are working with community organisations, youth groups and representatives from different cultural backgrounds to create something truly special for the Fylde Coast.
“The International Cultural Festival will be a celebration of the many communities who call this area home. It will give everyone an opportunity to showcase their heritage, learn from one another and take pride in the rich diversity of our region.”
The Diwali celebration marked the end of another successful year for the society, with preparations now underway for an expanded programme of cultural and community events in 2027.