A dazzling display of lights and flames has launched Leicester's Diwali festivities.
More than 35,000 people were estimated to have attended the annual switch-on of the city's Diwali lights in Belgrave Road Sunday. For the first time, the event also included the 100ft illuminated ferris wheel, which opened a fortnight ago.
Cossington Recreation Ground, played host to flaming fire sculptures, fire jugglers and an inflatable screen, where guests could write messages with glow sticks and mobile phone lights. The lights were switched on about 10 minutes at around 7.40pm. As the street was lit up, the huge crowd cheered and confetti began to fall.
The sparkling light display stretches for more than 1,000 metres along the city's Golden Mile and includes 6,000 illuminations. Revellers enjoyed a lively programme of music and dance events in Belgrave Road ahead of the switch-on.
People began to cheer and dance as Indian dancers took to the stage to wow the audience.
The festivities continue over the next two weeks. They 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.
Leicester's Curve Theatre and Phoenix Cinema will also be hosting Diwali-themed events during the fortnight, and 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.
The event climaxes with the Diwali Day celebrations on Wednesday, November 11.
