18 October|14:00 - 19:00|Peninsula Square - Design District - Barton Yard
Diwali on the Peninsula
Free, family-friendly, and open to all.
Diwali on the Peninsula
18 October|14:00 - 19:00
Illuminate. Dance. Celebrate.
Join us for Diwali at Greenwich Peninsula - an afternoon of colour, rhythm, and community. From creative workshops and street food to a vibrant procession and mass dance under the lights, it’s a festival that brings people together to share in joy, movement, and tradition.
Dress the part: come in your brightest colours or traditional dress and be part of the celebration.
What's Happening
The afternoon begins in Peninsula Square with lantern-making, dandiya stick decorating, street food, and creative workshops.
Learn Garba’s joyful steps and Dandiya Raas’s lively rhythms in rehearsals led by expert dancers, then join the evening procession of drummers, dancers, and an illuminated rickshaw through Design District. It all culminates in Barton Yard to a glowing canopy of light, where mass dancing flows into an open floor for everyone to celebrate together.
Savour rich curries and fragrant snacks at the food market while DJs at Canteen keep the party going.
Diwali on the Peninsula welcomes all, wear your brightest colours and join in a joyful tradition of rhythm and light.
Lantern Making Workshops:
Create and decorate your own Diwali lantern to display in Peninsula Square.
When: 2:00 – 3.20pm (drop-in, 20min sessions).
Where: Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula.
Who: All ages (under 16s with an adult).
Dandiya Stick Workshop:
Create your own decorated sticks using tassels, threads and reflective tape.
When: 4pm – 5.50pm (drop-in, 20 min sessions).
Where: Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula.
Who: All ages (under 16s with an adult).
Dance Rehearsals:
Learn Garba and Dandiya steps so you’re ready to join the procession and mass dance.
When: 2:30 – 3:30pm & 4:30 – 5:30pm.
Where: Peninsula Square.
Who: Age 10+ (under 16s with an adult)
Procession & Mass Dance
Join dancers, drummers and a stunning colourful rickshaw as the celebration flows from Peninsula Square, through Design District, and into Barton Yard, where everyone is invited to dance together under the lights.
At Diwali on the Peninsula, you’ll have the chance to learn dances and decorate your own dandiya sticks, before joining the procession and mass dance under the lights.
About Garba & Dandiya
Garba and Dandiya Raas are traditional folk dances from western India, closely linked with Diwali celebrations. They’re joyful, high-energy dances that bring people together through rhythm and movement.
Garba: is danced in circles with clapping and flowing steps - a celebration of unity and community.
Dandiya: is more playful and energetic, with pairs of dancers striking decorated sticks - the dandiya - in time with the beat.
Images courtesy of @creationhub.media
Want to get involved in the event?
Our resident artist, Pragya, is looking for volunteers to help bring Diwali on the Peninsula to life on 18 October.
Email: [email protected] to take part.
Frequently Asked Questions
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