UNIPAC Mega Diwali Festival

UNIPAC Mega Diwali takes over Foreshore Park on Saturday 31 October, from 2:00pm through to 10:00pm. It's put on by the United India Newcastle Partnership Association (UNIPAC) to celebrate the Festival of Lights, and they've brought it right down to the harbour foreshore in Newcastle East. It's open to the wider community, pitched as a welcoming celebration for anyone keen to experience Diwali, whether it's your first time or a long-held tradition.

The afternoon and evening are built around live multicultural performances and plenty of food, with the programme building towards drone shows and fireworks after dark. The pooja, the traditional prayer that marks the heart of the festival, is part of the day's proceedings. Between the performances and the food, the whole thing runs from mid-afternoon well into the night, so you can drop in for a few hours or stay on until the fireworks go off.

It's one of Newcastle's biggest multicultural community events, and it's free to attend, though registration is essential. The festival runs from 2:00pm to 10:00pm at Foreshore Park, Newcastle East.