A popular festival in Southampton that attracted more than 1,000 visitors last year is set to return to the city this weekend.

Celebrating the Hindu festival of lights – Diwali Mela – will be held at Bitterne Park School on Saturday, October 19, from 11am to 6pm.

The day-long event will showcase Bollywood dancing with a Bollywood dance workshop each hour, food stalls, face painting, and crafts.

The festival will also see the live performance of Ramleela – a traditional play – as well as a fashion show and parade.

Rajan Jolly, founder of Eastleigh and Southampton Asian Community (ESAC), has organised the festivities with his wife Meenakshi.

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Sarika Khurana (left) and Rajan Jolly (right) at Diwali Mela in Southampton last year (Image: Matt Davey) Speaking to the Echo, he said: “We can’t wait for the festival, and I’d like to personally invite people of all nationalities and communities to come along.

“We have 150 volunteers helping to make the event happen, nobody is getting paid, but we are raising money for Foodbank Angels of Southampton.

“I think the festival has something for everyone and is something to look forward to.”

Leader of Southampton City Council, Lorna Fielker, and lord mayor of Southampton, Cllr Dave Shields will be in attendance at the event that is free to enter.

Last year saw the launch of the first Diwali Mela in Southampton.

“It was a huge success,” said Rajan.

“We weren’t sure what it was going to be like, but hundreds of people came along throughout the day.

“The festival is really important to the Asian community in Southampton but as I said, it would be great to see people there from all backgrounds and we can share in the occasion together.

“There will be wonderful cuisine, music, and costumes – it’s a really big day for us.”