MORE than 20,000 revellers celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, at London’s Trafalgar Square on Sunday (October 16).
London mayor Boris Johnson said: “With its themes of peace and mutual respect, I believe Diwali is the perfect time for communities in London to think about getting involved in Team London, my ambitious vision to get more people volunteering in the capital to help tackle some of the city’s social issues.
“Whether you are interested in reading to a child, making your local park safer, or looking out for an elderly person in your area, the key thing is to get involved.
“With less than a year to go to the London 2012 Games, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer and really make these the best Games the world has ever seen.”
London deputy mayor Richard Barnes, who addressed the crowd from the stage beneath Nelson’s Column, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of the celebrations marking 10 years of Diwali in the Square. It was a hugely enjoyable, colourful and lively day, which drew a large crowd of tourists as well as Londoners and was boosted by the sun putting in an appearance.”
x Photographs by Hayley Madden