Reading Diwali Mela 2026

The Reading Diwali Mela returns to Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on Saturday 31 October, from 6pm to 10pm. It's a family-friendly celebration of the Festival of Lights, put on by Art Celebration, and it runs across the whole evening rather than as a single show, so you can drift in and out as you like.

The music is a big part of it: a Bollywood DJ keeps things moving, with dhol drums and live singing mixed in. There are cultural dances and a fashion show, and the whole thing is built around the Bollywood sound. If you're not one for the dancefloor, there's a fair bit to do around the room. The kids' side has diya painting, rangoli, and an ethnic wear contest, and there's Ramayan storytelling and a quiz for those who want to lean into the traditions. Traditional Indian food and festive stalls are there to keep you fed, and a photowall is set up for taking a memento home.

Art Celebration describes the night as a celebration of family, culture and community spirit, and that's a fair summary of what's on the table. It's a family affair, so it works as well for a group of friends as it does for taking the kids along. The venue is Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Rushey Way, Earley, RG6 4GD, in Reading. Tickets are £6.13 via Eventbrite, and the whole thing runs from 6pm to 10pm on Saturday 31 October.