DIWALI EXTRAVAGANZA IN BIRMINGHAM
(20 November 2004)

Over 10,000 people from across the West Midlands are expected to converge on Birmingham’s Millennium Point on Saturday 20 November 2004 for a free interactive extravaganza featuring Asian culture, music, fashion, dance and insightful exhibitions to celebrate Diwali – the Hindu Festival of Light. The Midlands largest Diwali celebration is organised by the Hindu Council of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council and sponsored by Radio XL. It is expected to be the biggest ever event.

As part of the celebration there will be:

• A vibrant and colourful stage area featuring top acts, great music, dance and captive visual arts.
• Exhibition across three floors themed as Kids, Cultural and Alternative Health Zones.
• A range of stalls offering vegetarian Indian dishes.
• Fun fair rides and activities for younger children
• A fireworks fantasia to bring the celebration to an end.

The renowned Honey’s Dance Academy will be performing and holding dance workshops while ISKON, the Hare Krishna movement that promotes the teachings of Lord Krishna, will also be performing.

Jo Thanki, president of the Hindu Council of Birmingham said: “This year’s Diwali celebration, at Millennium Point, promises to be the biggest ever and we are hoping to break the attendance record. There will be a huge number of attractions to suit all members of the family. Moving to Millennium Point offers us more space for visitors. The outside stage area offers more space for our performances and the increased exhibition space inside will give visitors an interactive way of learning about Hindu culture and its heritage.”

Councillor John Alden, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture at Birmingham City Council added: “The Diwali Celebrations is part of an annual programme of events supported by the City Council that celebrates the cultural heritage of Birmingham’s diverse communities. Events like this Diwali event help to bring communities together. Everyone is welcome to attend.”

The celebrations will take place in the heart of the city at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG on Saturday 20th November 2004 from 3:00pm till 9.00pm.