Diwali On The Square is back in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 25 October 2026, running from 1pm to 7pm. The Mayor of London’s annual celebration of the Festival of Lights is free, open to everyone and there’s no need to book a ticket.
Families can look forward to a packed afternoon of dance, music, crafts, storytelling and vegetarian food right in the heart of the capital.
What’s on at Diwali On The Square 2026
The day opens with a spectacular dance sequence performed by 200 dancers in the centre of the Square. After that, the main stage will host music, dance and performances celebrating the creativity and cultural heritage of London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.
Around the Square, visitors can try their hand at:
- Arts and crafts
- Sari and turban tying
- Storytelling
- Yoga and meditation
- Dance workshops
Younger children will love StoryHour UK’s Ramayana Puppet Show, which tells the Diwali story with handcrafted puppets, music and narration. There will also be a market and food stalls serving vegan and vegetarian dishes throughout the day.
This year’s theme, chosen by the volunteer-led Diwali in London committee, is “Preserving the flame, illuminating tomorrow”, with a focus on young people carrying traditions forward.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Diwali On The Square is a highlight in our cultural calendar and a wonderful way to celebrate the enormous contribution that London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to life of our city.”
Know before you go: tips for families
- Bag searches: everyone is searched on entry, so allow a little extra time.
- Children: all under 18s must be with an adult, at a ratio of one adult to every four children.
- Food and drink: you can’t bring your own food or drinks, but items needed to care for a baby or child are allowed in containers of 100ml or less.
- Leave at home: scooters, skateboards, bikes, glass bottles, cans, sparklers, helium balloons and large umbrellas are all on the prohibited list.
- Crowds: the Square can get very busy and a one in, one out system operates once it’s full, so arriving early is a good idea.
Accessibility
The event has level access and is wheelchair accessible, with a lift linking the North Terrace to the main Square. An accessible viewing area on the North Terrace has a hearing loop and seating, and main stage speech will be interpreted in British Sign Language.
Ear defenders are available from the information point for anyone who finds the noise too much, and the event is relaxed, so you can come and go as you please. A Mobiloo accessible toilet with a hoist and changing table will be on site (bring your own sling if you need the hoist).
Getting there
Public transport is the best option. Charing Cross is the closest station: the National Rail station is around three minutes’ walk away with a step-free route, while the Underground station does not have step-free access. Westminster is the nearest step-free Tube station, around a ten-minute walk away.
Pall Mall East will be closed to vehicles from 5am to 11pm on the day, including nearby parking spaces.
Full details, including the complete list of entry conditions, are on the Mayor of London’s Diwali On The Square page.
