Watford is set to sparkle with a weekend of Diwali celebrations this week.
The Watford Festival of Lights will bring the town to life on Saturday and Sunday.
Lantern procession and fireworks(Image: Simon Jacobs)
There will be events at several locations including the Pump House Theatre, Harlequin Event Space, Watford Palace Theatre, and the town centre.
Visitors can expect vibrant cultural performances, children's activities, Indian street food, and creative workshops.
Highlights of the weekend include a children's Diwali performance and a Hindu Civilisation Exhibition at the Pump House Theatre.
Families can take part in arts and crafts workshops, creating rangoli, diya, and bead decorations.
Cultural performances will include traditional Bharat Natyam dance and music.
The Watford Festival of Lights(Image: Simon Jacobs)
The weekend will feature a parade from the Harlequin to the Pond, led by Watford mayor Peter Taylor.
The parade will include singers, dhol players and children from Bhaktivedanta Manor School dressed as Ram, Sita, and Laxman.
Saturday will end with the Diwali Lights Switch-On at 7pm by the mayor.
The Palace Theatre will host the Hindu Civilisation Exhibition on Sunday, as well as a special evening production by Subrang Arts called TAALIYO NA TAALE.
Mr Taylor said: "Diwali is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate light, hope and togetherness.
"I'm proud that Watford is such a diverse and welcoming town, where people of all backgrounds can come together to share in each other's traditions.
"The Festival of Lights is a true community effort, and I would like to thank all our community partners for making it possible.
"I encourage everyone to join us for what promises to be a colourful, joyful weekend of celebration."
Diwali on the Parade(Image: Simon Jacobs)
The event is a collaboration between several community organisations and local businesses.
These include P2M, World Council of Hindus UK, Watford Town Centre BID, Watford Palace Theatre, Indradhanushkids Academy, Salters Residential, Harlequin Watford, P2M Properties, Watford Pump House, Watford Indian Association, School of Bhakti, Museum of Watford and Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Funding support has been provided by the Watford Community Fund.