CHESTER’S first Diwali Parade and celebration takes place on Saturday, October 30.

One of South Asia’s most colourful and exciting festivals will include authentic music, dance, crafts and food.

Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated by one million British Asians as well as Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the globe.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is supporting the newly-formed Sanjhi Indian Association and the Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Council (CHAWREC) with their plans to hold the celebration.

Previously the other locations in the UK to hold Diwali celebrations were London and Leicester.

Chester’s Diwali parade will start at 3pm with troops of dancers and drummers assembling in Northgate Street, Watergate Street, Bridge Street and Eastgate Street.

Reetu Kohli, chair of the Sanjhi Indian Association, said: “Diwali is a time where families come together to share music, food and gifts.Š

“The word Sanjhi actually means “everyone” and all the troops will merge together as one at the Town Hall where a dance display will take place alongside examples of beautiful Rangoli art.”

After the display there will be a Diwali lights switch on and workshops will begin in the Town Hall.Š

The three workshops are Indian Art (Rangoli), Indian Candles (Deeyas) and Indian Hand Painting (Henna). Booking is essentialŠand to book a place please call 01244 400730. Workshops finish at 5.30pm.

CHAWREC have been working with Sanjhi Indian Association through their Community Development Service.

Shantele Janes, director of Cheshire CHAWREC, said: “Events like the Diwali Parade will help promote a better cultural understanding of the rich diverse community we have in Cheshire.

“We’re delighted to have been able to support the Sanjhi Association with this event.”

The council’s Equality and Diversity Champion, Councillor Razia Daniels, added: “I am so impressed how everyone involved has been rehearsing for this wonderful event for weeks.

“I am sure Chester is going to be a fantastic explosion of colour and sound on Saturday, October 30. I hope everyone joins in to make theŠfirst ever Diwali event in Chester a great success.”