Footscray will come alive this Saturday 25 October for the ninth annual Diwali Festival of Lights at Whitten Oval.
The Hindu festival of lights is the biggest event on the calendar for the local Indian community and the annual festival run by the West Footscray Traders Association has become one of Melbourne’s biggest Diwali celebrations, bringing together people from all cultures for an evening of music, dance, and joy.
Crowds of up to 6000 people have attended in recent years and a similar number is expected at this weekend’s free entry event which is supported through a Maribyrnong Council community grant.
Beginning at 4pm, visitors to the festival can look forward to a multitude of cultural performances and a wide range of family activities, including free face painting and entertainment for children throughout the evening.
Given the event is taking place at their home ground, the Western Bulldogs will also have a presence with the club’s community engagement team operating a bulldogs fan zone for supporters both young and old.
For those who get hungry, an array of food trucks will be on site serving both Indian cuisine and other tasty treats, while for the more serious minded, the West Gate Tunnel Project will have information stalls and team members present to answer any questions and queries community members may have.
The night will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm, lighting up the Footscray sky in celebration of Diwali’s enduring message of light over darkness and unity in diversity.
