Giant Illuminated Puppets, Bollywood Brass and Dazzling Lotus Flowers to Light Up Reading for Diwali

16th October 2026

A free celebration of South Asian arts, music and dance will bring Reading town centre to life on Saturday 24 October.

Broad Street will become a stage for one of Reading’s most striking cultural events this month, as Diwali Light It Up! returns on Saturday 24 October with giant illuminated puppets, lanterns, live music and dance.

Organised by Kala The Arts in partnership with Reading BID, the free, family-friendly celebration will explore this year’s theme, Being Human, using the power of the arts to explore what connects us and how we understand one another.

Among the highlights will be spectacular illuminated puppets, with the largest standing an impressive 19 feet tall. The towering figures will include Sita and Rama, alongside the Green Man, an African Queen, horse puppets and a magnificent peacock.

New for 2026, the parade will also feature a Bollywood Brass band and 100 handcrafted, illuminated lotus flowers representing Goddess Lakshmi, carried by participants through the town centre.

The evening’s entertainment begins at Reading Town Hall Square, with performances from over 70 performers taking place between 5pm and 5.45pm, featuring a variety of dances and singing. Dhol drummers will follow from 5.45pm to 6pm, building the atmosphere ahead of the parade, which sets off through the town centre at 6.15pm. Bringing together music, movement and illuminated creations, the parade will travel along Broad Street before concluding at 7pm.

Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said: “Reading is shaped by its many different cultures and communities, and our town centre is a wonderful place to celebrate this. Diwali Light It Up! does just that, filling Broad Street with music and creativity, while bringing residents, businesses and visitors together to celebrate.”

Sushmita Pati, Artistic Director and Curator at Kala The Arts, said: “Our theme, Being Human, invites us to think about the connections we share and the ways art can help us understand one another. Through the giant puppets, lanterns, music and dance, we want to create an experience that brings people together and makes space for stories and traditions to be celebrated.”

Open to everyone, Diwali Light It Up! offers a chance to experience the richness of South Asian arts and enjoy a shared celebration in Reading town centre. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the performances and parade for free. For event details and visitor information, visit Kala The Arts.