Diwali Celebrations: The Festival of Lights

About

A spectacular light show comes to Greenwich.

Celebrate the popular festival of Diwali at the Old Royal Naval College and the National Maritime Museum.

The illuminating display will link both historic sites in a programme of events, culminating in an extraordinary light show from 6:45pm until 8:30pm.

As the sun sets, follow the atmospheric Diwali parade with lanterns made by members of the community as it winds its way from the grounds of the National Maritime Museum to the riverside lawns of the Old Royal Naval College. Take up a prime position to view the Diwali show that includes colourfully lighting up the Old Royal Naval College colonnades, the iconic domes and beams of light into the air above Queen’s House and across the beautiful classical buildings.

Central to the display is a community-sourced film projected across the historic buildings, made up of kaleidoscopic ‘rangolis’, a colourful art form originating in the Indian subcontinent and an essential Diwali decoration. The community project asked local schools, families, and groups to produce their own rangoli to contribute to these special Greenwich illuminations.

The show also includes Reflektions, a captivating sound art installation projected onto Queen’s House facade, the film has never been seen in London before and is created by musician, composer, and producer BISHI.

Enjoy the light spectacle with a wide offering of food and drink available in the Old Royal Naval College grounds from 12 noon.

A celebratory programme of events takes place across the day at both venues and will be filled with sights and sounds of the Festival of Light before the sunset lantern parade.

Programme:
Click here to see National Maritime Museum programme of events.

Schedule:
Indian Drumming Workshop | 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm - Ticket: FREE Admission
Immerse your children in the history of this art form, which stretches back thousands of years. Discover various rhythms and beats, and how to use traditional Indian drums such as the Dhol.
Note: These one-hour workshops are FREE to attend, book here.  

Ceramics Workshop | 11:00am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm and 3:00pm - Ticket: £16 per person
This simple hand building with clay workshop session, led by ceramist Fiona Veacock will allow participants to create a dish from their hand shapes, ideal for a tea light.
Learn more

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Ceramic Workshop£16.00 per ticket
Indian Drumming WorkshopFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Book Tickets Online

Facilities

Booking & Payment Details

  • Free Entry

Catering

  • On-site light refreshments

Children

  • Children welcome

Property Facilities

  • Smoking not allowed

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      Map & Directions

      Diwali Celebrations: The Festival of Lights

      Type:Light Festival

      Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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