Diwali switch-on set for next week

BARNSLEY town centre will be lit up in honour of Diwali next week.

The festival of light takes place each year over a five-day period, with many Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities coming together to celebrate.

The council has supported the celebrations for the last 19 years.

Usually, the late Harshad Patel would organise the event – but due to his sudden death, it has not been possible to organise an event on a large scale.

Mayor of Barnsley, Coun Sarah Tattersall, said: “The work of Mr Patel over the years has been phenomenal in championing diversity and community cohesion, so it’s very important to us that we carry on his legacy.

“I would like to wish everyone within our communities who observe the special festival of light, a very bright, happy and joyous Diwali.”

The light switch-on will take place on Monday at 6.30pm in the Glass Works square.