We simply 'can't afford it' say readers after new MP calls on city mayor to reinstate Diwali event

Leicester Diwali Lights switch on 2022
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Readers have sided with the city council over its decision to scrap one of this year's Diwali events. Their comments come after new Conservative MP for Leicester East Shivani Raja called on city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby to reconsider the decision to cancel this year's Diwali light switch-on.

The switch-on usually forms one half of the annual celebrations in the city, but will not be going ahead this year due to the financial pressures faced by Leicester City Council, which is struggling to steer clear of bankruptcy. The Hindu festival comes with yearly price tag for the council of £250,000. The 2024 festivities will be focused on just Diwali Day itself, scheduled for Thursday, October 31, with traditional decorations and the well-known wheel of light also set to make a return.

Following the meeting, Ms Raja also wrote to Sir Peter, in a letter signed jointly by fellow MPs Peter Bedford of Mid Leicestershire and Neil O'Brien of Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, to stress the Diwali events are not just culturally, but also economically vital, claiming they draw an estimated £3.5 million into the city. Sir Peter said he worked "closely" with Conservative councillors, the Hindu Festival Council and businesses on the decision.

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LeicestershireLive readers appear to be siding with Sir Peter over the decision. Many said they support the slimmed back celebrations in light of the city's financial difficulties.

Sallyb28 said: “The council is on the verge of bankruptcy. It's simple, we can't afford it.”

Dhcf added: “It is what it is. I expect the same strategy towards Christmas/New Year celebrations. We need a reduced cost structure in all areas of council spending.”

“The city is nearly bankrupt," Happychappy agrees. "If you are going into bankruptcy, you cut back on things that don't matter to keep the city afloat, and yes, that means council members should not have a pay raise too.”

Some commenters felt local businesses should be the ones to stump up the money if they want two events this year. Commenter MrsCh thought: “Business owners need to be funding it, they reap the benefits in profits from the attendees.”

itsasadstateofaffairs agreed: “Would it not be incumbent on the local traders to stump up the 120 thousand as it's such a measly figure, then everyone will be happy? Quite frankly, I'm more worried about the £300 I have lost towards my heating this winter than a few lights.”

Yido2021 added: "Our new Leicester MP is supposed to be an expert in marketing. She should prove her worth and get involved with the local business people to raise the funds. Leicester Council cannot afford the annual cost and why should they? Give regular updates on fundraising events and give the reporters something to focus on.”

Some did lament the loss of the switch-on this year, however. Redcat2 said: “I am not Hindu or Asian but I enjoy the cultural things that make this city so special. It does seem an odd decision, however, when Leicester's Diwali celebrations have always been touted BY THE COUNCIL to be the biggest outside India and a huge financial boost to the local economy and cultural life of the city, to then cut the whole thing by half.”

How do you feel about celebrations being cancelled? Is it a good cost cutting exercise or does Leicester need them? Have your say in our comments section.