As the days grow shorter and autumn settles in, join us in celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
A range of events are taking place across the Royal Borough of Greenwich for all ages, offering plenty of opportunities to get involved in the celebrations.
A vibrant and much-loved festival, Diwali is celebrated by communities around the world, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. It is a time for family and friends to come together, share food, exchange stories and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equalities and Leisure, said:
"I am so proud to be a part of a borough where we celebrate and champion diversity. Diwali is a great opportunity for people of different faiths and cultures to come together, a chance to honour tradition and celebrate new beginnings, while reflecting on all the things that unite us. Diwali celebrations with our community are a wonderful reminder that our borough’s diversity is what makes Greenwich full of culture, full of excitement, and full of light. "
Diwali at the National Maritime Museum
National Maritime Museum
Saturday 7 November, 10:30am to 5pm, free
Lantern parades, dance performances and rangoli workshops: celebrate the Festival of Lights in Greenwich. This autumn, Royal Museums Greenwich invites everyone to celebrate All Together Now, a joyful day of creativity, culture and community marking Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
Curated by Mehala Ford, founder and curator of COMMONGROUND&, this year's celebration explores the simple but powerful idea that we are stronger when we come together.
Visitors can join creative workshops, experience live music and dance, hear stories, explore the museum's collections, take part in talks and conversations, discover South Asian designers and makers at the first-ever Diwali Bazaar.
Global Fusion Music Arts Diwali Celebrations
Mycenae House, Woodlands, 90 Mycenae Rd, London SE3 7SE
Friday 6 November, From 7pm, from £27.50
Join Global Fusion Music Arts for an evening of live music - dance - film and food from the Indian Sub Continent.
Diwali Candle Painting Workshop (adults only)
Greenwich Centre Library
Saturday 7 November, 12noon to 1:30pm, Free, Booking required
Book by calling 0203 795 0600
Celebrate Diwali with a mindful candle painting workshop, drawing inspiration from the colours and cosiness of the season.
Discover more events and activities at Greenwich Libraries
Diwali Light Festival
Moorings Sociable Club, Arnott Close, SE28 8BG
Friday 20 November, 2:30pm to 5pm, free
Explore the culture and traditions of the Hindu festival of lights, including food and cookery demonstrations, a Bollywood dance performance and a henna artist, plus children's art activities and a disco. Live Well Greenwich will also be offering free blood pressure checks. To book your space, call 020 8311 5491.