Diwali celebrations light up Peterborough as crowds brave rain to enjoy Cathedral Square festivities

Despite the best efforts of the weather, Peterborough’s annual Diwali celebrations lit up the city centre in a riotous spectacle of colour and dance this weekend.

Crowds who braved the rain were rewarded with dazzling performances by dancers and musicians on the Cathedral Square stage, not to mention some tantalising South Asian treats offered by food vendors surrounding the square.

Moments of reflection and thanks were also marked with prayer.

Derived from the word ‘Deepavali’ – which effectively translates to ‘a row of lights’ – the ancient tradition of Diwali sees followers light rows of lamps outside their homes to symbolise the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

While it is widely regarded to be a key event for Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, Diwali is also observed by people from other faiths, and enjoyed by those who are not religious.

Peterborough Diwali Festival, which is now in its 11th year, has become an annual highlight in the city’s civic calendar, welcoming people from all backgrounds to join in the festivities.

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes helped to open proceedings and also took a moment to address the crowd.

“This is what I love about our city,” he observed, writing after the event on social media.

"[It was] great joining friends today in Cathedral Square to mark Diwali.”