HUNDREDS of people took to the streets of Basingstoke on Friday evening (November 5) to celebrate Diwali and enjoy the Light It Up Parade.

The event, organised by South Asian dance company Kala The Arts in association with Love Basingstoke, started at 6pm at Willows Coffee House, and proceeded through the top of town, ending at Festival Place Amphitheatre.

It featured an array of stunning lights, beautiful dance performances, lanterns, and live musicians, and brought families into town for an evening of celebration.

Diwali is a five-day festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists.

Posting to Facebook after the event, Love Basingstoke wrote: “Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated Diwali with us and Kala the Arts. We had a fantastic time and it looks like you did too!

Speaking to the Gazette, Mary Stevens, owner of Willows Coffee House on Church Street, added: "Friday's Diwali event was absolutely incredible. It was a real spectacle and reminded many older Basingstokers of how things used to be in the days of the Carnival. Lots of smiling happy people from all communities united and brought together to celebrate a wonderful festival.

"Willows was so privileged to be a part of the festival and the starting location for the parade. We hope to continue to put this forgotten and beautifully historic area of Basingstoke well and truly back on the map and regenerate interest in all parts of Top of Town.

"Well done to all organisers and entertainers you absolutely smashed it. Roll on next year's event!"

The Gazette’s photographer, Sarah Gaunt, captured this stunning gallery of images from the event.