The Hindu festival of lights had to compete with heavy cloud cover and showers of rain as Diwali was celebrated in Chester city centre.

But it was the talented performers who emerged triumphant as crowds flocked to watch a colourful parade followed by a spectacular display of Indian dance.

The final day of British summer time may have been a wet and overcast one but that didn't bother anyone who had turned out to either take part in or watch a spectacular event which began with everyone gathering at the Town Hall Square before parading down Northgate Street and into Eastgate Street.

 

Lord Mayor of Chester Hugo Deynem leads the 2015 Chester Diwali parade from the Town Hall Square down Northgate Street

In full view of the Eastgate Clock, an area outside Browns of Chester had been cordoned off to allow performers of all ages to demonstrate their amazing dancing skills.

Leading the parade was Lord Mayor of Chester Hugo Deynem who also addressed the crowds in Eastgate Street before the performance got under way.

Cllr Deynem said: "I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy and prosperous Diwali and hope you will enjoy the many highlights of this event including the dance displays and workshops."

 

Performers at the 2015 Chester Diwali Festival prepare for the dancing displays to get under way in Eastgate Street

At the end of the dancing, the parade gathered together once more and made its way to the Unity Centre in Cuppin Street for an afternoon of Indian workshops and food tasting.

Workshops included Rangoli Diwali art cards, Diya Indian candles, Peacock art, Henna hand painting, Indian head massage and face painting.

• The event is celebrated each year in Chester by the Sanjhi Indian Association with the help of Cheshire West and Chester Council and a Big Lottery Fund grant.

Sanjhi Radio Show  
http://www.mixcloud.com/LacheFM/sanjhi-radio-with-nikhil-kaushik-30-01-2014/