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The Hindu ‘Festival of Lights’, better known as Diwali, symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma—it’s a classic tale of good vs evil, light vs darkness, and knowledge vs ignorance. But there’s no better triumph than seeing celebrations return to Soho Road in Birmingham.
As the city’s biggest Diwali party, the annual free festival was unexpectedly cancelled last year when a “funding freeze” put a stop to the festivities. Luckily, the team behind the Sandwell and Birmingham Mela stepped in to host the event at Victoria Park in Smethwick instead.
While a success in the end, what should’ve been the original Diwali Festival’s 10th anniversary, meant we didn’t get to see Soho Road, Soho Hill and Holyhead Road bathed in beautiful lights as expected. But it looks like that Birmingham Diwali Festival might be back on track for 2025 this October.
What’s happening for Diwali in Birmingham? 
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While there’s been no direct announcement, Soho Road BID has launched an official Birmingham Diwali Festival 2025 event on Facebook. Taking place on Sunday, October 12, from 11 am to 8 pm, the free Festival of Lights promises to be “bigger, brighter and more vibrant than ever before!”
The one-day street festival will bring together a mix of Bollywood, bhangra, classical music, and global fusion beats on Soho Road, alongside local talent from Birmingham’s diverse communities—including traditional dance, interactive workshops, youth performances, and more.
Elsewhere, you can find authentic Indian and South Asian cuisine; a craft market full of Diwali gifts; and a range of fun fair rides and carnival-style games for all the family. The biggest attraction has to be the dazzling fireworks display finale—lighting up Birmingham in true Diwali style!
To learn more about Birmingham Diwali Festival head here.