Diwali Festival of Lights at Platt Fields Park

The celebration, which marks the start of the Hindu New Year, commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the 10-headed demon king Ravan who had abducted his wife, Sita. This free,  family friendly occasion will open with live entertainment, including the Bollywood Brass Band and singer Rafaqat Ali Khan (from 2.30pm), as well as a dance competition. Stalls will serve everything from mouth-watering traditional food to clothes to fabric and shiny accessories, while those wishing to get involved can take part in lantern making and henna workshops. A lantern procession from 6.30pm will see hundreds bearing home-made lights to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The big finale will centre on a spectacular firework display to illustrate the epic ‘Journey through the Ramayan’, with the narrative conveyed through a combination of visual and oral features.

Sun 28 Oct, Platt Fields Park, Rusholme/Fallowfield/Moss Side border, Tel: 0161 224 2902, 2.30pm – 8.30pm, free, www.dashehradiwali.co.uk