The National Maritime Museum will celebrate Diwali with All Together Now, a free festival curated by Mehala Ford, founder of COMMONGROUND& and Friday Sari Project.
Taking place on 7 November 2026, the festival will showcase South Asian artists, performers, storytellers, makers and community organisations from across the UK through a vibrant programme of live performances, workshops, talks and family activities.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people around the world and is a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing food, exchanging stories and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.
Inspired by the ways traditions are carried across generations and reimagined through contemporary creativity, this year’s programme highlights the diversity of South Asian cultures and experiences in Britain today.
A major new addition for 2026 is the Diwali Bazaar, bringing South Asian designers, artists, makers and independent businesses into the Museum. Visitors will be able to browse stalls featuring jewellery, clothing, prints, accessories, gifts and handmade products from South Asian creatives and local Greenwich-based businesses.
The festival also shines a spotlight on grassroots South Asian creative and community platforms, creating opportunities to share ideas, discover new perspectives and celebrate creativity in all its forms.
The Museum will also be transformed with special artistic installations and decorations, including sustainable textile works by Button Masala and decorations created using recycled saris.
Now in its fourth year curated by Ford, the festival continues the National Maritime Museum’s long-running celebration of Diwali and its collaboration with South Asian artists, creatives and communities.
Mehala Ford, founder of COMMONGROUND& and curator of the National Maritime Museum’s Diwali festival, said:
‘Curating Diwali at the Museum is always an honour and a privilege for me. Royal Museums Greenwich has been celebrating Diwali as a free public celebration for 16 years, which is incredible. I am always thrilled at the opportunity to take over a museum for one day and showcase the talents of so many South Asian performers, artists and creatives, as we have done over the years.
It is always a special day for everyone visiting and taking part, with the chance to enjoy a sensory experience of celebration and discover the talents of South Asian communities.’
INFORMATION FOR VISITORS:
Venue: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Date: 7 November 2026
Time: 10.00 – 17.00
Admission: Free
Visitor enquiries: 020 8858 4422
Website: www.rmg.co.uk/diwali
