Diwali in Leeds 2026: Fireworks, banquets, temple prayers and club nights celebrating the Festival of Lights
As the Festival of Lights returns for another year, here's where you can celebrate the occasion in Leeds this weekend
November 8 holds a very special place on the Hindu calendar, as Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and new beginnings.
Celebrated by millions worldwide - as well as Sikh and Jain communities - the Festival of Lights is traditionally centred around the homecoming of Lord Rama, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, and the spirit of renewal.
It is a time when homes and temples are illuminated with glowing diya lamps, traditional mithai sweets are shared, and families gather in celebration.
In recent years, however, Diwali in Leeds has also evolved into a broader, cross-cultural civic celebration.
For the city’s thriving student population and international diaspora, it offers a vital "home away from home"—bringing people of all backgrounds together through shared food, music, and community banquets.
Today, traditional temple prayers and aarti sit side-by-side with modern student balls, fusion dance showcases, and late-night venue takeovers, highlighting how the festival continues to light up the city's modern cultural calendar.
Whether you are looking for traditional temple prayers and fireworks, family workshops, an evening banquet, or a late-night party, here is a roundup of confirmed events happening across Leeds.
What’s on for Diwali 2026 in Leeds
LEEDS-E-DIWALI Community Banquet
- Location: White Rose Banqueting Suite, Leeds
- Date & Time:November 7 | 6.30pm – 11pm
- Entry: £19.99 per person
Billed as one of the city's largest family celebrations on the eve of Diwali, this community party brings the feeling of Ghar Ki Diwali to Leeds.
The ticket price includes unlimited food throughout the evening, alongside a live DJ playing Bollywood beats, interactive games, a photo booth, a free raffle, firecrackers, and full bar facilities.
Diwali Aarti & Fireworks Display (Leeds Hindu Mandir)
- Location: 36 Alexandra Road, Burley, Leeds, LS6 1RF
- Date & Time: November 8 | 4pm – 8.30pm
The Burley-based mandir will host hourly Laxmi Aarti ceremonies every hour from 4pm until 8pm on Diwali evening.
The prayers will be followed by a grand outdoor fireworks display starting after 8pm. All members of the community are welcome to attend.
Leeds Diwali Ball 2026 (Riley Smith Theatre)
- Location: Riley Smith Theatre, Leeds University Union, Lifton Place, LS2 9JZ
- Date & Time: November 8 | 5pm – 10.30pm
Open to all students and the wider public, this annual cultural showcase brings together festive food, live Indian classical and contemporary dance performances, interactive games, and prizes.
Guests are encouraged to dress in traditional festive attire.
Leeds Diwali Festival (Home Nightclub)
- Location: Home Nightclub, 117 Albion Street, Leeds city centre, LS2 8DY
- Date & Time: November 8 | 10.30pm – 3am (Last entry 12.30am)
Hosted by Bollynights, TAD, and Leeds ISA, Home Nightclub plays host to the city’s major 18+ Bollywood club night.
Expect non-stop Bollywood anthems and dancefloor bangers into the early hours.
Diwali at Kirkstall Forge
- Location: Celebration Reception, Kirkstall Forge, 1 Great Exhibition Way, LS5 3BF
- Date & Time: November 10 | From 11am onwards
Kirkstall Forge brings back its daytime community celebration on Tuesday. Visitors can drop by the reception to enjoy custom henna designs created on-site by a professional artist between 11am and 2pm for £5 per design.
From 12.30pm, Leeds-based Kathak dancer and choreographer Shivani Jatar (Menaka Dance) will lead an interactive traditional dance workshop open to all skill levels, while Butlers will be serving special Diwali-themed food specials throughout the day.