Thousands celebrate Wolverhampton's ‘wonderful Diwali’
The event over the weekend was hailed as a big success
Thousands of people turned out for Wolverhampton’s annual Diwali gathering – the festival of lights – at the city’s Phoenix Park in Blakenhall at the weekend.
Organised and hosted by the Elias Mattu Foundation, the event at the park off Dudley Road saw crowds turn out to enjoy a variety of music, live entertainment and food – followed by the switching on of the lights and a huge fireworks display.
The festival this year was staged in association with F9 events and headlined by Raf Saperra, with DJ Nav Entertainments, Gaggi Dhillon, Tik Toker Patollaa, Lucky Rai, Hit The Dhol, Booboo and Napalese Dance Performance.
Councillor Jacqui Sweetman (Lab. Graiseley), who worked alongside event organiser Cllr Asha Mattu (Lab. Graiseley), said: “We are truly blessed in Wolverhampton. Not only do we have a strong and diverse community, but we know how to celebrate it. Well done to the foundation for once again helping us all celebrate another wonderful Diwali.
“In these dark times it’s a real credit to our Labour council that we enable people to have some joy to celebrate. Diwali is an important part of our celebration of light. It is even part of our city’s motto. Happy Diwali to everyone.”
The foundation was set up in memory of much-loved former Wolverhampton mayor and city councillor Elias Mattu, and helps local communities in need by delivering food parcels.
Blakenhall councillor Paul Birch (Lab) said: “I was really pleased to see the Diwali celebrations organised for the second year by the Elias Mattu Foundation. The festival is for everyone to enjoy and celebrates community togetherness and light out of darkness, which references the city of Wolverhampton’s motto.
The event was also supported by the Indian Multicultural Society, Shri Krishan Mandir, Gurudwara Sikh Council and Gujrati Association.