Diwali on the Square 2026: a free festival in Trafalgar Square on 25 October

London’s big free Diwali celebration is back in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 25 October, from 1pm to 7pm. There are no tickets: you just turn up. Diwali itself falls on 8 November this year, so the square celebrates a couple of weeks early.

What’s on

It starts with a dance piece performed by 200 dancers in the middle of the square. After that the main stage runs through the afternoon with music, dance and performances from London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.

• Dance workshops, from classical and folk styles to Bollywood
• Family activities, including sari and turban tying, puppet shows, yoga and meditation
• A market and food stalls, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options

It’s put on by the Mayor of London.

Before you go

• Bags are searched at the entrance.
• When the square is full it’s one in, one out, so the early afternoon is the safest time to arrive.
• Under-18s need an adult with them, with at least one adult for every four children.
• Charing Cross is the closest station. Leicester Square and Embankment are a few minutes’ walk.

Sources

• London.gov.uk: Diwali on the Square 2026
• Londonist: Diwali on the Square returns to Trafalgar Square for 2026

Last checked: 10 October 2026. Programme details can change closer to the day. Photo: LBM1948 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.