Safety fears could lead to Diwali event relocation

Leicester's world-famous Diwali celebrations could be moved to another part of the city because of crowd safety concerns.

Belgrave Road, known as the Golden Mile, has traditionally hosted annual festivities attended by tens of thousands of people to mark the Hindu festival of light.

However, Leicester City Council said it was considering other potential locations as it planned this year's event in October.

"Our Diwali celebrations have become so popular and well attended we now have to consider moving them to a safer location," said city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby.

"The advice we have had is that the crowds it now attracts are too large for the area - which is quite constrained.

"What we do not want is for anyone to be hurt should there be a surge in the crowd."

Soulsby said discussions had been held with businesses and community groups in Belgrave about other possible locations.

He said these included Abbey Park, the city centre or Belgrave Circle.

"In many ways, the Diwali celebrations have become a victim of their own success because of how many people attend," he added.

"There are pinch points where so many people gather; it is a concern that people could be hurt."

A city council spokesperson said: "There have been several meetings over recent months with members of the Diwali safety advisory group and community representatives to discuss concerns about public safety at the popular event due to increasing crowd numbers.

"A further follow-up meeting attended by the city mayor, executive lead for culture and representatives from the emergency services and the community will take place to review options being considered including moving the event to a more suitable location, although no decisions have yet been taken."

A police spokesperson said: "The Diwali celebrations in Leicester are part of our city's culture and history, and an occasion that Leicestershire Police has always been extremely proud to support.

"Following concerns raised by the safety advisory group - which consists of all emergency services, Leicester City Council as the event organisers and Showsec - about public safety at the event, we continue to liaise with our partners in relation to the event."

In 2024, the council made a cost-cutting decision to scale back the city's Diwali celebrations by holding a single event, in Belgrave Road, to mark Diwali Day itself.

It decided not to hold a separate event to mark the turning on of Diwali street illuminations along the Golden Mile.

Soulsby added: "Whatever decision is made about the future location [of the celebration] we are determined to keep the Diwali lights on Belgrave Road."

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