London’s annual Diwali celebration at Trafalgar Square has been cancelled at short notice because of forecast storms and safety concerns, organisers announced on Saturday.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, 25 October, was expected to bring together members of London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, alongside residents and visitors, for a celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
The Diwali in London (DiL) Committee said the decision followed expert safety advice and consultations with the Greater London Authority (GLA), which organises the event in partnership with the committee.
Adverse weather conditions forecast for Saturday, 24 October, have already affected preparations at Trafalgar Square. Organisers warned that the storms could create risks for the teams working to prepare the venue, making it impossible to guarantee safe conditions for participants and visitors.
“The safety of site teams, participants and visitors must come first,” the committee said in its cancellation announcement.
The decision will disappoint thousands of people who had planned to attend the free public celebration, as well as performers, volunteers and production staff who had spent considerable time preparing for the event.
Organisers expressed particular regret for the young performers and volunteers whose work had been dedicated to bringing the celebration to life. They also apologised for the short notice and thanked the event’s partners, production teams and the GLA for their efforts.
Visitors have been urged not to travel to Trafalgar Square on Sunday for the celebration and to share the cancellation announcement with others who may be planning to attend.
Diwali, widely known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people around the world. The festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, with traditions including the lighting of lamps, family gatherings, music, dance and festive food.
The Trafalgar Square celebration has become a prominent fixture in London’s multicultural calendar, offering an opportunity for communities to share their traditions and cultural heritage with the wider public.
Although this year’s event will not go ahead, the DiL Committee has encouraged supporters to continue backing future celebrations and has extended its wishes for a peaceful and joyful Diwali.
No alternative date for the cancelled 2026 event was announced in the statement.
The event is organised by the Diwali in London Committee in partnership with the Greater London Authority as part of the Mayor of London’s public events programme. Photo by Schlaier, Wikimedia commons.
