Rugby Town Centre Set for a Free Festival of Lights

Rugby town centre will host a free Diwali celebration featuring music, dance, stalls, festive lighting and a lantern parade. The open-air event will run from 2pm to 7pm in Market Place and the Asda car park in front of the Swan Centre.

The celebration is open to the general public, with no entry charge or booking requirement stated. A calendar date was not included in the council’s notice, so anyone planning to attend should check the Rugby town events information before making arrangements.

Music, dance and lanterns in the town centre

The programme brings several parts of the Festival of Lights into central Rugby. Visitors can expect live music and dance alongside stalls, illuminated displays and a lantern parade across the event area.

Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world. It represents new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. For some communities, it also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations.

The festival falls between October and November, with its precise timing changing because the Hindu calendar follows lunar cycles. Rugby Borough Council’s announcement does not specify which date the local celebration will take place.

Rugby’s communities are invited to take part

The Rugby Indian Association is organising the event with support from Rugby Borough Council and event management company Unlimited Communications. Organisers are also inviting people from across the borough to become directly involved.

Residents and community groups can express an interest in running a stall, joining the procession, making lanterns or contributing to the music and dance programme. Businesses can also contact the organisers about offering a special promotion during the celebration.

Councillor Ish Mistry, the council’s portfolio holder for people, resources and governance and one of the event organisers, said the aim was to involve communities from across the borough. He also thanked Asda for allowing its car park to form part of the event site.

Tom Kittendorf, the council’s assistant director for leisure and wellbeing, said the celebration would bring people together while attracting visitors into the town centre. He encouraged those attending to support local businesses during their visit.

Practical details before attending

The confirmed event hours are 2pm to 7pm, and admission is free. Activities will be spread across Market Place and the Asda car park in front of the Swan Centre.

The notice provides no confirmed date, transport guidance or accessibility information. People interested in hosting a stall, joining the programme or arranging a business promotion can contact Unlimited Communications at [email protected].

Source: Rugby Borough Council