The University’s Manchester Museum came alive in a riot of colour, light and energy for this year’s Diwali celebrations on 29 October.

Visitors were encouraged to get involved in activities throughout the Museum, from clay lamp making in the Main Hall to dancing in the Living Worlds gallery.

This year’s festivities were introduced by the Indian Consul General, Vishakha Yaduvanshi, who lit a lamp to officially open proceedings. Following that poignant moment, the evening spring into life with performances from Kathak dancer Swarnali Nag and The University of Manchester’s Indian Dance Society.

DJ H and Dhol Exposure supplied the music and drumming that got everyone in Living Worlds bouncing and singing along, underlining the power museums have to bring people together in moments of shared joy and cultural celebration.

Diwali is one of seven events organised throughout the year as part of the Manchester Museum Celebrates programme. All of these events are created in collaboration with communities to mark moments of cultural significance, bringing people together to build understanding between cultures.