Diwali starts on Sunday 9 October with the famous lights switch on and culminates with a firework display and entertainment on Diwali Day and Bandi Chhor Divas on Monday 24 October.
Despite recent events in East Leicester, we are encouraging people to prepare for Diwali as usual.
There will be visible and dedicated police presence as normal throughout the celebrations. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that Diwali celebrations take place safely for the enjoyment of our communities.
We’re proud of our city and its rich culture of diversity and cohesion. We will not let a small minority, who seek to cause division, spoil this for others and will take robust action to deal with them as our investigations progress.
I would ask those celebrating to follow our simple advice to celebrate safely. Make sure if you are leaving your property empty that you secure your homes and that valuables are not left on display. Please don’t use fireworks in a public place.
In the interests of public safety a no drone zone will be operating over Cossington Park and surrounding one nautical mile radius from October 9 – 10 between 2pm and 2am and October 24 – 25 at the same time.
This Airspace Restriction has been authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport and makes it a criminal offence to fly a drone within this area at the designated times, irrelevant of weight.
Police will be operating drones at the event in the interest of public safety and will be ensuring that this restriction is complied with. Those who do not comply are liable to prosecution and to having their drone seized.
Lastly, I would ask people to help us help you by reporting any suspicious behaviour on the 101 number or reporting online. In an emergency always call 999.”
In a joint statement, PC Rajan Popat chair of the force’s Hindu Police Association (HPA) and Sergeant Parminder Kang, vice chair of the Sikh Police Association (SPA), said: “We’ll be celebrating Diwali along with our families and many of our colleagues. Recent events have emphasised the need to celebrate all faiths in our multi-cultural city. Both the HPA and SPA wish everyone a Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas and a safe celebration.”
I’m looking forward to Diwali enormously, just as I have in other years. Belgrave Road is always a delightful mass of colour with tasty foods, colourful costumes and amazing entertainments. I have confidence in our communities to come together and let the festival season pass off peacefully.
For more information on Diwali please visit the VisitLeicester website.
