'Leicester's Diwali celebrations bigger and brighter than ever'

A fire display to celebrate Diwali in Leicester last year Credit: ITV News Central

Organisers of Leicester's Diwali festival say this year's event should be bigger and better than ever before.

It is now going to be two weeks long, and will feature fire sculptures, digital sparklers and a 100-foot illuminated Ferris wheel.

It all begins with the switch-on of the city's Diwali lights on Sunday 1 November.

The 100-foot big wheel that will be part of this years Diwali celebrations Credit: Leicester City Council

Other new activities include an Indian Summer Diwali Parade through the city centre, live Rangoli at the Clock Tower with international Rangoli artist Janak Chauhan, and a Diwali Mela Bazaar on Humberstone Gate West.

There will also be Indian cookery demonstrations on Leicester Market, an art exhibition at the Peepul Centre, and Indian dance at half-time at Leicester City's King Power Stadium.

Thousands of people turned out to see the Diwali fireworks in 2014 Credit: ITV News Central

Diwali is a religious event celebrated mainly by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The city council says that in Leicester, it brings together people of all faiths to enjoy the colours, lights and music that are a key part of the celebrations.