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Wellingborough Festival of Lights 2026 : Unity in Light – Bringing Our Community Together
About the Festival
After an absence of several years, the Wellingborough Festival of Lights returns in 2026 with a brand-new, expanded format. Rooted in a tradition dating back to the 1960s, when the town hosted processions, light switch-ons and fireworks, this reimagined celebration marks a new chapter.
We are lighting up the whole town! From workshops at Wellingborough Library and performances at Swansgate Shopping Centre in the daytime, to the main stage in Market Square for the evening finale, this is a celebration for everyone.
Delivered by the Wellingborough District Hindu Association (WDHA) in partnership with North Northamptonshire Council, the festival celebrates Diwali and the borough’s long-standing Hindu community heritage, while creating a shared civic experience for all.
Festival Programme – Saturday 31 October 2026
The festival spans three amazing locations across Wellingborough town centre, offering a full day of culture, creativity, and celebration.
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Arts & Crafts and Children’s Storytelling – a relaxed morning for families to enjoy creative activities in a welcoming library setting. |
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Dance Performances and Arts & Crafts Workshops – head to the Atrium for vibrant performances and hands-on creative sessions for all ages. |
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The Main Celebration – live performances, food and craft stalls, children’s activities, and the spectacular Festival Light Switch-On at 7:00 pm. The heart of the festival! |
Festival Zones at Market Square (3:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
The Bazaar: A vibrant marketplace featuring food, clothing and artefact stalls. Enjoy diverse cuisines, cultural clothing, handcrafted artefacts and local business participation.
Discovery Kids: A light-touch, supervised children’s area featuring rides, a bouncy castle, face painting and simple activities. Designed to be fun, safe and family-friendly.
The Pulse: Our main stage programme. Enjoy cultural dance performances including Bhangra and Bollywood, community groups, local school choirs, live and curated music, and the energy of our Dhol drummers, all building towards the spectacular Light Switch-On at 7:00 pm.
Pre-Festival Activities – Coming Soon!
We are currently finalising an exciting programme of interactive workshops and activities at:
- Wellingborough Museum
- The Castle Theatre
These pre-event activities will give the community a chance to engage with the festival’s themes of culture, light and unity before the main celebration on 31 October.
We’ll announce full details, dates, and booking information here and on our social media channels in the coming weeks. Please check back soon!
Travel & Accessibility
The festival takes place across Wellingborough town centre. All venues are within easy walking distance of each other.
Accessibility:
- Designated accessible viewing areas near the Market Square stage
- Accessible toilet provision on-site
- Clear signage and steward support throughout the site
Parking: Please use nearby town centre parking. Information on car parks and any temporary changes will be confirmed closer to the event.
Get Involved
We welcome your participation in the Festival of Lights!
If you would like to find out more about the event and/or wish to participate in the celebrations, whether as a stallholder, performer, volunteer or sponsor, please get in touch.
Email: hcc@wdha.co.uk