Thousands of people are expected in Albert Square, Manchester to celebrate the 11th annual Dashehra Diwali Mela.

Organised by the Indian Association Manchester, the Mela event starts at 2.00pm with an impressive programme of live entertainment on two stages and in Albert Square with performances by Foundation for Indian Performing Arts (FIPA), Rainbow Raagas, Bollywood Brass Band and Four by Four Bhangra dancers and SPARK from Worldbeaters Music and much more.

The day also offers visitors the chance to buy everything from authentic Indian food, clothes and jewellery to crafts and accessories as well as offering arts and crafts workshops for children and adults.

At dusk, 7.00pm, a lantern procession will set off from Manchester Central Library where approximately 200 children from Greater Manchester schools will be taking part with the lanterns made earlier in pre-event workshops in schools.

Larger than life characters including a deer a pair of flamingo bird lanterns along with fantastic Indian music will accompany the lanterns.

Lantern workshops will take place during the afternoon, from 2pm to 4pm at Manchester Central Library on 8 and 15 October so that anyone can take part in the procession.

The finale performance by ‘SPARK’ (illuminated drummers) will follow the lantern procession. This will be a first performance by ‘SPARK’ in Manchester and at a Diwali event anywhere. Finale show, produced and presented by Walk the Plank, has live music, dynamic sound and lighting, pyrotechnics and special effects.

The Dashehra Diwali Mela is FREE and takes place on Saturday 15 October.

Dashehra Diwali Mela is supported by Manchester City Council, Arts Council England, Big Lottery Fund, Bank of Baroda and many other local organisations and businesses.

For more information or to book a stall visit the website www.dashehradiwali.co.uk or contact Mrs. Raj Dutta, telephone 07941 769 621.