LARGE GATEWAYS PLAN FOR ENDS OF THE GOLDEN MILE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

The distinctive gates in Chinatown, Manchester

Large gateways plan for ends of the Golden Mile

by Dan Martin

Large Indian-style gateways could be put up to mark either end of Leicester's Golden Mile.

Businesses along the busy shopping street in Belgrave are looking at establishing landmarks similar to the Oriental arches in Manchester's Chinatown.

Traders' representatives have been holding discussions with city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby about the idea.

Sir Peter said: "It is an idea that has come forward from the traders as a way of demonstrating the identity of the Golden Mile.

"They have expressed an interest in getting something at either end which would show people when they are entering what is a specialist shopping area.

"They want something at the city end and something at the Melton Road end.

"I have seen Chinatown (in Manchester) and it looks good. I think something similar could work here.

"There is a precedent for doing this in the city already – the arch at the entrance to the market, though that is much more modest than what is being considered."

Sir Peter said he was enthusiastic about the idea and would support it if the traders were to pay for it themselves.

He said the planned demolition of the Belgrave fly-over, set to take place after Sainsbury's relocates from Belgrave to Melton Road at the end of this year, could allow some sort of new public art feature.He said: "It is an idea in its very early stages."

Dharmesh Lakhani, chairman of the Belgrave Business Association, said: "We are looking for something that makes people think of India and the subcontinent, but with elements of Leicester and the UK.

"It could well be a gateway and we could then use an image of it as branding all along the Golden Mile. It would be lovely to have something like that.

"We are not certain yet how it would fit in with the road structure or the space available.

"Whatever we do, it will be something that reinforces the character of the Golden Mile and encourages people to visit."

Mr Lakhani said people in the area would be asked what design they would like to see in place. Children at Abbey Primary School have already come up with a series of designs that could be considered.

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz said: "The Golden Mile is a defined area of shopping excellence known across the country and I think it is a great idea.

"It would come into its own at the time of Diwali.

"It is an ambitious idea and I will support it."

Travel agent Dipak Varadia, 51, from Brandon Street, off Belgrave Road, said: "We should definitely do this. At the moment, that big, ugly concrete fly-over hardly says 'Welcome to the Golden Mile'.

"When it has gone, we can replace it with something beautiful."

RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH'S BLESSING FOR CULTURE CITY BID

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Richard Attenborough's blessing for culture city bid

by Dan Martin

The city's best-loved thespian, Richard Attenborough, is backing Leicester's drive to be crowned 2017 UK City of Culture.

Lord Attenborough has been unveiled by the team behind the city's bid for the title as its most high-profile supporter.

The respected actor and director grew up in Leicester with his brother, David, the renowned naturalist, and made his stage debut as a boy at the city's Little Theatre.

He has been a life-long supporter of the city's arts scene ever since.

The 89-year-old is in a frail state following a stroke in 2008, but is well enough to lend his support to Leicester's campaign to land the title.

The city is hoping to be chosen to succeed Londonderry in Northern Ireland in the competition, which is being run by the Government.

Today, Leicester and its 11 rivals submitted details of their bid in the hope of being shortlisted in June, before the winner is selected in November.

Lord Attenborough said: "I am delighted to offer my unconditional endorsement and support to Leicester's bid.

"In recent years, as the city has evolved into a huge multi-cultural centre, I have been thrilled to witness Leicester embrace and celebrate this in such an enlightened, inspired and visionary manner."

The celebrity, who has opened a Centre for Disability and the Arts here and loaned his collection of rare Picasso ceramics to be displayed in the city, said: "My experience and knowledge of Leicester's rich vein of cultural and, in particular, theatrical activity goes back over 80 years, from my first stumbling steps on the stage of the Little Theatre, through to the Phoenix, the Haymarket and now Curve."

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, who is chairman of the consortium behind the bid, said Lord Attenborough's support had given it considerable weight.

"We have been touched by Lord Attenborough's heartfelt support," said Sir Peter.

"He is indeed a product of this city and very proud of his association with it.

"I am confident we have a very strong bid to put in."

The consortium revealed details of some of the events and activities it would stage in 2017 if the bid is successful. They include a "Festival of Light" based on the city's existing Diwali and bonfire night celebrations, as well as a large scale re-enactment of the Richard III story to mark the discovery of the king's bones.

Geoff Rowe, Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival founder and a member of Leicester's bidding board, said a key feature of the programme would be a portable light installation which would project images onto buildings around the city, such as the National Space Centre.

Curve chief executive Fiona Allan, also on the bidding board, said the Richard III re-enactment would involve both professional actors and thousands of members of the public, and would take place over several days at a number of venues.

The bidding team has been told by the Government that it should expect to spend £10 million on a programme of events if it is successful in being named 2017 UK City of Culture.

Sir Peter said the council was prepared to underwrite the cost but said that a large amount of the funding would come from organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council.

He said any public funds put in would be paid back "10 or 100-fold" from the tourism boost.

STOP BEING SO NEGATIVE ABOUT OUR CULTURE BID

Reagan Oates has written the First Person column in today's Leicester Mercury:

Stop being so negative about our culture bid

Leicester has announced that it is bidding to become the UK's next City of Culture in 2017. With a proven track record of excellent festivals and cultural events from Diwali to Pride and with the recent discovery of Richard III's bones, it's no wonder the city has decided to try its luck.

If successful, it could lead to millions of pounds in increased trade, a rise in tourism and the possibility of hundreds of new jobs.

Since this exciting news, what has Leicester done to celebrate? Readied the bunting, congratulated ourselves?

Sadly not. We've done what the Brits do best and started to moan.

We've moaned about our lack of culture, lack of architecture and, more worryingly, a lack of British festivals and events on offer in the city.

Now hold on: we live in one of the most multi-cultural cities in the UK. What exactly is it that makes a festival British? The definition of British relates to the characteristics of the citizens, or inhabitants of the United Kingdom, and last time I checked our events have reflected the people of Leicester.

On top of that, you can't walk 10 yards these days without a new festival or event popping up.

Also, if anyone has a reason to moan about the culture of the city this month, then sorry folks it's me, not you.

Having watched The Monograph magazine recently announce it was ending its printed production, struggling without council or arts funding, I could sit around bemoaning its fate, forever holding a grudge against Leicester's cultural empire.

However, if the city council wants to spend £50,000 on this new city of culture venture, then let it.

Agreed, times are hard to be spending money on arts, but look at the long-term possibilities.

A city celebrated for culture will attract attention, investment and will benefit us all.

It's a simplistic view, yes, of a complex situation but – newsflash, people – recessions are nothing new.

They've happened before, they suck and, yes, we're all skint!

But for this you have a choice. You can choose to pick apart the intentions of the people that are trying to make something for your enjoyment – or you can stop moaning about it and get involved.

Go explore the city. Visit one of our attractions or free museums, such as the one in New Walk (everyone enjoys a good dinosaur) and get behind the bid!

Cease looking at what is wrong with the city. Tackle the small things, such as simple pleasures, and maybe the big things won't seem so bad after all.

The bid gets my vote and I look forward to seeing what's on offer in the future.

Raegan Oates is music editor at From Dusk 2 Dawn magazine.

CITY'S STRONG MIXTURE OF OLD AND NEW

This editorial appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

City's strong mixture of old and new

What does "culture" mean? We ask the question because Leicester is launching a bid to become the UK's next City of Culture in 2017. We probably all have slightly different definitions of what we mean by the word culture. However, the Collins Dictionary defines it as: "The artistic and social pursuits, expression and tastes valued by a society or class."

The UK City of Culture then should be a place which is able to offer outstanding and highly valued artistic and social pursuits. And, given that this title is a national one, it should also be a place with a cultural mixture which represents and reflects the values of modern Britain.

On any assessment, Leicester has a very strong case.

We have seen in recent months the city's long and rich history gain national attention through the remarkable discovery of King Richard III's remains. Visitors to Leicester can learn about the king's life and death at a pivotal point in history, as well as the archaeological quest to locate his last resting place.

It is a story which has captured the imagination of people across the world and gives Leicester a cultural dimension that few other cities can match.

In addition, Leicester is not only a very old city, but also a very modern one. And this is best reflected in its multi-cultural community.

The city is home to many festivals and events reflecting the diversity of its population. The Diwali festival, for instance, is celebrated by thousands of people from many backgrounds. It is a demonstration of multi-culturalism in action.

There are many other cultural highlights: the huge success of the Curve theatre; Dave's Comedy Festival which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year; the classical music programme and other events at De Montfort Hall; and the dramatic recreation of the Easter story through Christ in the Centre, to name a few.

All of these elements demonstrate a thriving and varied cultural programme which appeals to a broad range of tastes.

Leicester has a great story to tell: through its history; its modernity; and its sheer range of venues and events.

We think the case for it to become the UK City of Culture is a compelling one and we wish all those involved in this bid every success.

CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury: 

 

Celebrating our culture

Leicester is to launch an ambitious bid to become the UK's next City of Culture.

The city is hoping its multi-cultural history, track record of staging events such as Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival, Diwali celebrations and the Caribbean Carnival will help it secure the title in 2017.

Its bid will also draw on the recent high-profile discovery of Richard III's bones under a council car park.

Bid organisers hope the role could lead to an influx of tourists generating millions of pounds of wealth for the city. They say Leicester's time as the UK City of Culture would feature a large programme of festivals and participatory events.

Leicester is bidding for the title for 2017 as this is when the 2013 UK City of Culture and inaugural holder – Derry in Northern Ireland – will hand over the honour.

So far rivals include Plymouth and Aberdeen, who have already announced their bids.It is rumoured that Nottingham may also enter the competition.Leicester City Council is pledging £50,000 to cover the initial stage of the bid.

In May or June cities will be short listed and, should Leicester progress, a similar amount would be needed to complete the bid.

Businesses and sponsors are being sought to provide financial backing.

Chief executive of Curve theatre Fiona Allan, who is a member of the consortium planning the city's bid, said: "There would be so many benefits if we won. Firstly, I hope people would feel pride in this city. "To win would show we are confident in our cultural offer. There would be a significant media and tourism knock on.

"We have all the ingredients already.

"Leicester is one of the UK's most culturally diverse and interesting cities."

From our Roman history, medieval growth, industrial prosperity to today welcoming people from all over the world to our diverse and vibrant communities, Leicester has rich stories to tell. The king in the car park is just one of many."

While cultural organisations here like Curve already enjoy a global reputation, with significant investment having been made in Leicester's cultural infrastructure and the development of our creative industries, the time is ripe for Leicester to show its creativity to the world." It would be like the cultural equivalent of the Rugby World Cup." Ms Allan said a program of proposed events would be drawn up. She said: "Leicester is known as a city of festivals and there would be a large programme of festivals. We would want some real showcase events.

In recent years, new events – including Indian Summer, Leicester Fringe, Tales of the Riverside and the Green Light Festival – have appeared on the city's calendar alongside established favourites such as the Caribbean Carnival, Diwali, the Spark Children's Arts Festival and the comedy festival." I think people outside Leicester will be surprised by what we can offer," said Ms Allan.

"We need to change the narrative of the city which has been a bit negative in the past. We really underplay ourselves."

"There would also be participatory activities to get as many people as possible involved."

We don't want to announce too many of our good ideas to rival cities. I am sure we will see more bids coming out of the cupboard in the next few weeks."

Cities vying for the title have until April 30 to submit a bid for consideration by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. 

Leicester's bid will focus on its lively arts scene and highlight the breadth of cultural activity taking place, with workshops in museums and galleries, stand-up comedy in city centre pubs, international stars taking to the stage at Curve, and a Bollywood blockbuster – Mad, Madder, Maddest 2 – set to have its world premiere in the city in June.

Chief executive of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce Martin Traynor, is also a consortium member. He was part of a Leicester delegation to Derry last year when the bid was being touted.

He said: "We are convinced this is something Leicester could do very well. We already have a rich multi-cultural offering."

We have suffered from a low international and national profile but that can change."

Richard III is already changing that and becoming UK City of Culture would be another springboard with massive potential impacts."

Leisure and tourism is worth £1.4 billion per annum to the city and county. If we could increase that by just one per cent that would be £1.4 million and could create hundreds of jobs."

City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, who is leading the consortium, added: "Becoming UK City of Culture would bring huge benefits to Leicester, giving us an opportunity to highlight the city's history and reinforce its identity, while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy."

A city council spokeswoman said: "In 2008, Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture – a title that business leaders estimate was worth an extra £200 million to the city's economy."

Although the UK City of Culture competition is on a much smaller scale, it's clear that the opportunities for the winner are there to be seized."

The winner will be announced by the Government in November. 

---

North and south – the two rivals, so far

Aberdeen, nicknamed The Granite City, is one of Leicester's rivals for the capital of culture title.

It is renowned as an oil city after the discovery of vast deposits under the North Sea.

It is home to a maritime museum, an art gallery, a number of cinemas and hosts the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, said to be the world's largest arts festival for young performers.

The city football team won the European Cup Winners Cup and the European Super Cup in 1983, under Sir Alex Ferguson, and has won the Scottish Premier League four times.

Aberdeen Lord Provost George Adam said: "Aiming to win the City of Culture title in 2017 presents Aberdeen with a tremendous opportunity and a terrific target to aim for.

"A proud city like Aberdeen should be aiming high and I have no doubt that everyone will pull together."

Aberdeen City Council chief executive Valerie Watts said: "Aberdeen already plays on a world stage in the competition for business and investment – and bidding to win the City of Culture title will be a huge benefit in terms of putting ourselves firmly on the international map."

The quality of life here in Aberdeen is already very high. We can all now work together to build on that to make the city even better – and to let the whole world know."

The south coast city of Plymouth, in Devon, is also hoping to clinch the title.

The old naval base is home to the annual British Fireworks Championship and is also home for the Royal Marines.

It has a range of cinemas, arts centre and galleries.

Plymouth's bid leaders hope that if they win, the city could host top-class events such as the Brit Awards, the Turner Prize and the BBC Sport Personality of the Year ceremony.

Plymouth Culture Board executive director Abby Johnson told The Herald newspaper: "I believe Plymouth has got such potential. People can help by simply talking up the city and talking up their cultural experiences."She said winning would create jobs, boost creative industries and see visitors' spending rise, adding: "Liverpool got £8 back for every £1 it put into the European Capital of Culture bid."Plymouth City Council and Plymouth University have each pledged £20,000 towards the bid on the condition the £40,000 handout is matched by the private sector.

---

Leicester City's Cultural Diary

The main events in Leicester’s cultural calendar include:

Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.

The February event – which is thought to boost the local economy by £2 million – annually sees appearances from both world-famous performers and some of the funniest up-and-coming comics, at venues across the city.

Leicester’s Caribbean Carnival has brought the city centre to life every August since 1985, with the exception of 2006.

The celebration attracts thousands of visitors with its colourful city centre parade, street dancing and music.

Leicester’s annual Diwali celebrations are thought to be the largest outside India.

Huge crowds flock to the city’s Golden Mile. The Hindu Festival of Lights began last year with 35,000 watching a lights switch-on spanning a kilometre along Melton Road.

Leicester Pride is popular celebration of the city’s gay, lesbian and bisexual and transgender communities held in late August or early September each year.

Marchers in weird and wonderful costumes parade through the city centre before heading up to Victoria Park for a fairground and concert.

Christ in the Centre is the city’s dramatic recreation of the Easter story, with Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection being played out before thousands of people in Humberstone Gate.

It has become established as one of the biggest and most effective pieces of Christian celebration staged in the country.

DIFFERENCES JUST HUMAN NATURE

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Differences just human nature

I have to agree with some of T Green's comments about harmony and toleration ("I no longer feel at home in my city", Mailbox, November 22).

However, he/she may have lived a more sheltered life than I and have fewer multicultural genes. (I have only been in Leicester for 40 years, with an immigrant background. My gran was Irish, great-granddad Scottish and goodness knows about the rest. I haven't had a DNA test).

There are parts of the city that are monocultural and appear to be inhabited by the stereotypical Brit.

Some of them wouldn't tolerate me – even though I look like them – any more than would the wealthy hunting brigade or people that live in very large houses in "posh" areas.

I have difficulty communicating with both cultures – they are nothing like me.

Sometimes their accents and vocabulary can be tricky and I have no idea what they are saying.

They wouldn't want to know me, any more than Welsh people did when we visited Wales years ago. I realised then what "shunned" really meant.

On the other hand, I worked with and employed people from different origins. Some I liked, some I didn't, but it was generally harmonious and most problems were caused by people's personalities and nothing to do with their ethnicity.

People don't like/understand foreigners, don't like people in the next city, don't like people in the next town, the next road, next door, their brothers and sisters.

Generally people tolerate each other, particularly in Leicester. As homo sapiens go, being a vicious lot, that is something to feel a little bit proud of.

And, I confess, we went to the Diwali concert at Curve and really enjoyed it – a lovely safe, family occasion.

Deirdre Harrow, Leicester

BRILLIANT DIWALI!

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Brilliant Diwali!

Thirty thousand people packed the Golden Mile for the Diwali Day celebrations on Tuesday night.

Visitors from all over the world joined families from closer to home in a celebration of the festival of lights, marking, for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, the triumph of good over evil and the start of a new year.

Belgrave Road was closed to traffic for more than three hours while the street party went ahead.

In Cossington recreation ground, a lively show, featured classical Indian, Bollywood and bhangra dancers.

Sanjay Hadapi, 39, from Mumbai, who is in the UK for a cricket coaching course, said: "It's the first time I have experienced Diwali celebrations in the UK.

"I am amazed by the number of people.

"It is also very big in India where it is a national holiday, but I didn't know something of this size happened outside India."

Friend Bhavin Patel, 34, of Loughborough, said: "It is the most important day of the year.

"It's a time when everyone gets together, has a good time and eats too much food."

Wassila Maafi, of Aylestone, Leicester, said: "I think it's lovely entertainment. I wish they had more of this type of event in Leicester.

"It's a good, entertaining event for the family and it's good to see different cultures being celebrated."

Mahendra Mistry, 52, of Scraptoft Lane, Leicester, said; "It's a new year, new beginnings. It's a brilliant event, you can't move. It's nice to see so many young people here."

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "Leicester has been famous for its Diwali celebrations, which are the largest outside India and which the city council is happy to support."

Police said the night passed without major problems.

Speaking on the day, Chief Inspector Martyn Ball said: "Our estimate is that there are 30,000 people here, but we haven't had to deal with a single incident – it's a fun, family-oriented event and everybody is happy."

The celebrations, which are run by Leicester City Council and Leicester Hindu Festival Council, finished with a spectacular firework display which drew gasps of admiration from the crowds.

SPIRIT OF DIWALI BURNS BRIGHTLY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Spirit of Diwali burns brightly

From youngsters making decorations to shoppers taking part in a vibrant interactive art installation, thousands of people across Leicestershire celebrated Diwali Day yesterday.

Restaurants in Melton Road were overflowing with revellers, while more than 10,000 people gathered in Cossington Street Recreation Ground for the traditional fireworks display and celebrations last night.

With decorations up in houses across the city and county, thousands of people celebrated the end of the Hindu year by giving gifst at home.

Youngsters at the Kiddycare nursery, in Melton Road, painted rangoli designs – a traditional decorative design used during Hindu festivals – and took part in games.

The children, aged between six weeks and five years, were joined by their mums and dads yesterday morning.

Nadine Farrington, operations manager for the city's four Kiddycare nurseries, said: "It was a lovely day and involved lots of families who took part in games and competitions. We want to wish everyone a happy Diwali."

The festival of lights was also given a modern twist with an interactive art installation using Humberstone Gate's big screen.

Images of people walking past were transformed into dancing balls of light, which were then displayed on the huge television.

Kalpana Bodalia, 46, of Thurmaston, was transfixed by the display.She said: "I really like it because Diwali is all about the festival of light.

"It doesn't matter what culture or religion you are, light is for everyone.

"Everybody is invited and welcomed to get involved with the celebrations."

Mum Teresa Lewis, 42, was also at the screen with her three children.

She said: "It looks really cool and it fits in with Diwali because of the light element."

Restaurants along the Golden Mile were packed throughout the day.

Floyd Rosario, senior supervisor at Feast India, said: "Feast India is generally quite busy anyway, every day is like Christmas. But with Diwali it is even busier."

Ashok Raval, chef and manager at the Khyber Tandoori Restaurant, said: "We get people coming from all over, from places such as Nottingham and Birmingham, who come to Leicester to spend Diwali with their families."

Yesterday evening, more than 10,000 people cheered as fireworks exploded and echoed around Cossington Street Recreation Ground.

The event was organised by the Hindu Festival Council, which has been hosting Diwali celebrations since 1991.

Chairman Maganbhai Patel said: "In the beginning, it wasn't very big, but we have tried to include more people and entertainment and it's grown and grown.

"It's the last day of the Hindu year and is celebrated by millions all over the world.

"Everywhere you go, people will get together and wish each other a happy Diwali – it's just like Christmas."

Leicester's Diwali celebrations, which mark the triumph of good over evil, are among the biggest in the world.

The festival began on November 4, when 35,000 visitors watched a lights switch-on spanning 1km along Melton Road.

As well as the official entertainment at the park last night, scores of other events took place across the city yesterday.

CITY NEARLY ALL SET FOR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

City nearly all set for festival of lights

Work to hang more than 6,500 festive lights along the Golden Mile is almost complete.

The Diwali light switch on will take place in Belgrave, Leicester, on Sunday, November 4, marking the start of celebrations.

Lighting engineers have been busy lining Belgrave Road with more than 1,000 metres of decorative lights and garlands.

Councillor Piara Singh Clair, chairman of the council's Diwali working party, said: "Leicester's Diwali switch-on is a wonderful celebration, which is enjoyed by tens of thousands of people each year.

"I am sure this year's celebrations will be as spectacular as ever and I hope that even more people will come and join the festivities on Belgrave Road."

The switch-on celebrations will take place from 6pm until 9pm, with dancers and musicians performing classical Asian and Bollywood entertainment.

Celebrations then move to nearby Cossington Street Recreation Ground, where a firework and laser display will take place from 8pm.

www.leicester.gov.uk/diwali

ENJOY CELEBRATIONS IN SAFETY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Enjoy celebrations in safety

Worshippers are being asked to follow simple safety tips to ensure a happy Diwali and Navratri.

Police, firefighters and the city council are teaming up to offer safety advice throughout the celebrations, with 10,000 greetings cards with safety messages being posted through letterboxes in the Belgrave, Latimer and Rushey Mead areas of the city.

Firefighters are urging Hindus and other devotees to take care when using candles and flames.

People attending celebrations and visiting friends are being asked to lock their homes and cover up expensive jewellery when out and about.

Chief Superintendent Rob Nixon said: "Each year, thousands of people take part in Diwali celebrations in Leicester.

"Our role is to ensure that they can enjoy this special time without fear of crime.

"Many people will be busy visiting friends and family in the coming weeks. We are urging them to take a few simple crime prevention measures – such as securing their windows and doors every time they leave their home, and being discreet with valuables, in particular expensive jewellery – when they are out and about.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Navratri and Diwali."

Chief Superintendent Rob Nixon launched the campaign with colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service yesterday.

Speaking at Belgrave Community Centre, in Rothley Street, police and fire officers advised people not to overfill oil lamps and to be vigilant when out during celebrations.

More than 35,000 people are expected to pack into the Golden Mile for the Diwali fireworks on Sunday, November 4.

Even more will take to the streets on Diwali day, on Tuesday, November 13, for one of the biggest celebrations of its kind outside India.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Lunn said: "Leicestershire has a very diverse population.

" The Navratri and Diwali celebrations are a cornerstone of our Hindu community, so we want to make sure everyone remains safe to enjoy every aspect this period has to offer.

"While the number of fires caused by Diva candles have remained low in recent years, it is through education and awareness campaigns, such as this, that we will ensure this remains the case."

Leicester City Council asked people not to bring fireworks to public celebrations. Diwali is also celebrated by Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs.

Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Hindu deity Shakti, which starts today.

CROWDS JOIN CELEBRATIONS FOR KRISHNA

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Crowds join celebrations for Krishna

Chanting and dancing marked the birthday of supreme Hindu god Lord Krishna.

The birth of the deity, who lived about 5,000 years ago, was celebrated in dozens of temples and homes across the county at midnight last night.

At the new Shreeji Dham Haveli temple in Rushey Mead, Leicester, devotees prayed and fasted all day and then broke open a "matki" containing butter and milk as an offering to the god before breaking their fast with a feast.

Six-year-old Nandani Kachela, from the Belgrave area of Leicester, was among about 900 people who visited the temple yesterday.

She said: "The birthday of Lord Krishna is always fun and people chant and later we all go outside and have lots of nice food."

Kirit Shah, 54, of Stoneygate, Leicester, said: "It's the biggest day for us and it is very special to know this day is being celebrated all over the world and to feel part of such an important event."

Kalpna Gokani, 37, from Wigston, was at the temple with her three-year-old son, Rian, and her mother and aunt.

She said: "I come here often because there's lots going on and my mother and aunt practically live here. Last year, I celebrated this day at home, but it's lovely to be able to come here this year because it's a wonderful new temple. It's a place where you can feel at peace and a lovely space to come and celebrate this fun occasion."My son is very excited and it's a wonderful time for us – it is a very colourful and enjoyable celebration."

Nitin Saujani, a trustee of the temple, said Lord Krishna's birthday would be celebrated at temples and homes across Leicester.

He said: "This is the biggest day for us. Krishna is the supreme god in Hinduism.

"There are hundreds of gods but Krishna is the main one.

"Diwali is like our Christmas – it's the festival of light and a very big celebration – but this is the most important religious day."

The Shreeji Dham Haveli temple in Leicester is the biggest temple of the Haveli sect of Hinduism in Europe.

The differences between the Haveli sect and mainstream Hindus are so slight many who are not members of the sect still worship at the Rushey Mead temple.

The Haveli sect focus more on certain writings than other Hindus.

The temple, in Melton Road, Rushey Mead, used to be the Royale Cars showroom and the trust that now owns the building plans to add a library, computer room and dining area.

The latest census figures available show there were 41,000 Hindus living in Leicester in 2001.

BUDGET CUTS WOULD THROW DOUBT ON CARNIVAL FUTURE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Budget cuts would throw doubt on carnival future

The boss of Leicester's Caribbean Carnival says a city council proposal to cut its funding by £40,000 could jeopardise its future.

Dennis Christopher also claimed the carnival was bearing the brunt of funding reductions because Leicester City Council was "too scared" to cut cash which goes towards festivals such as Diwali.

The carnival costs about £200,000 to stage and is part-funded with £100,000 from the city council – a figure which is now under review.

Mr Christopher said: "This is one of the most popular carnivals in the country. Such a large cut to our funding could potentially see us have to cancel it in future years.

"This is a direct hit on the Caribbean community of Leicester. I understand the council needs to review its spending on carnivals but I feel it is focusing on this because it is too scared to cut funding for events like Diwali in case it offends some communities."

The carnival, which is in its 28th year, attracts more than 80,000 spectators.

Other festivals and events also face cuts. Under the proposals, payments supporting the Castle Park Festival will be scrapped, funding for the Hindu festival of Dashera will be halved, while the Humberstone Park bonfire will lose all its financial support.

Geoff Carr, 42, of Uppingham Road, Leicester, said: "I take the wife and kids to the bonfire at Humberstone Park every year. It would be sad if it had to stop."

Mary Carter, 56, of Aylestone, said: "I'm not Hindu but I think it's great we celebrate Dashera here. It adds to city culture and I'd hate for us to lose it."

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It is important to stress we are not proposing cuts to the overall festival budget. That budget of £365,000 will stay the same.

"Instead, we're looking at whether our priorities are right, and that each festival or event is being given a suitable amount of money."

Funding for the Leicester Comedy Festival, Belgrave Mela, Riverside Festival and the Christmas light switch-on is protected under the proposals.

Abbey Park bonfire, the St George's Day festival, the Diwali celebrations and the Spark Children's Arts Festival, would also receive the same amount of cash.

A consultation on the proposals is under way until July. Views gathered will go to the city mayor and his cabinet for consideration before final decisions are made in the autumn.

City residents are also being asked for ideas for a new festival.The mayor said an event similar to the City of Leicester Show was a possibility.

The event, held in Abbey Park until the mid-1990s, featured acrobatic events, military displays, show jumping, bands and more.To have your say, visit:www.leicester.gov.uk/ FestivalsandEventsConsultation

FOUR LEICESTER FESTIVALS FACING FUNDING CUTS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Four Leicester festivals facing funding cuts

Funding for four Leicester city festivals could be reduced or cut entirely.

A series of proposals has been put forward by city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby after a review of how much money Leicester City Council spent on festivals was carried out.

Under the plans the Caribbean Carnival would see funding reduced by £40,000 over the next three years.

Payments to the Castle Park Festival would be scrapped, with the idea of developing a new weekend heritage and arts festival to focus on Leicester's historic core. The proposals also include halving funding for the Hindu religious festival Dashera and the Humberstone Park bonfire losing its support entirely.

Sir Peter said: "Leicester's festivals give us the chance to celebrate together, make our city a vibrant and exciting place to be and boost the local economy.

"The aim of this review has been to make sure that public funding of our celebrations is used in the most efficient way and the events we offer are as appealing as possible, to as many people as possible."

Funding for Leicester Comedy Festival, Belgrave Mela, Riverside Festival and the Christmas lights switch-on are all protected under the proposals.

Abbey Park bonfire, the St George's Day festival, Diwali celebrations and Spark Children's Arts Festival, would also continue.

Sir Peter also revealed that he would like to see a new festival created.

He said: "Personally, I would like to see a new festival that brings together people from our many different communities and celebrates city life. I would be very interested to hear what other suggestions people may have."

The council's budget to support festivals is £365,000.

Only festivals and events to which the council gives £5,000 or more are under review, meaning funding for Leicester Gay Pride, Leicester Horticultural Show, St Patrick's Day celebrations and Braunstone Carnival is not threatened.

All of the proposals and a questionnaire are on the council's website at the address below.

The consultation will run until 6pm on Friday, July 27.

Views gathered will go to the city mayor and his cabinet for consideration before final decisions are made in the autumn. Visit:www.leicester.gov.uk/FestivalsandEventsConsultation

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

This photo's doing the rounds today. It's a NASA satellite image of India, taken last night. India is, of course, a populous country and no doubt it's well illuminated at night. But no doubt special effort is being made here for Diwali: the Festival of Light!

THOUSANDS FLOCK TO LEICESTER'S GOLDEN MILE FOR DIWALI FIREWORKS

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Thousands flock to Leicester's Golden Mile for Diwali fireworks 

Leicester's Golden Mile was alive with colour and excitement as thousands of people celebrated Diwali last night. 

Revellers packed Belgrave Road and Cossington Street recreation ground to enjoy drumming, dancing and an impressive firework and laser display. 

People travelled from all over to join in the celebrations. 

Heena Pathak, 44, of Rushey Mead, went along with husband Nitin, with both keen to see the fireworks. 

Heena said: "Even though I'm local, I've never come out in Leicester for Diwali, but this year instead of sitting at home we wanted to join in with the spirit of things. 

"We've celebrated at home with family, but we wanted to come here and be around lots of people and enjoy some food and drink." 

Jatinder and Nitin Patel, who live in Walsall, were returning to Leicester 20 years after they met as university students. 

Nitin, 40, said: "We wanted to come back and share this with our children so they learn a bit more about their culture and heritage because there's nothing like this where we live." 

Neelam Patel, 18, from Thorpe Astley, was celebrating with her 12-year-old sister Naomi and four-year-old brother Drew. 

She said: "I really like coming here to socialise and see the fireworks. 

"For me Diwali is about eating lots of yummy food, getting together with family and buying presents – it's just like Christmas." 

Suresh Sida, 43, who lives near Hinckley Road in Leicester, said: "It's great to come down and meet up with people and spend time with the family. 

"We've got friends coming here from Northampton because Leicester does Diwali so well." 

Councillor Piara Clair, chair of the city council's Diwali working party, said: "I am delighted we can share our Diwali day celebrations with people from far and wide as well as with many different communities right across the city." 

The Diwali events were organised by the city council and the Leicester Hindu Festival Council and sponsored by 02 for the first time this year. 

At Curve theatre, the festival was celebrated with an exhibition of vibrant sarees. 

The display of intricate garments was curated by family-run Belgrave Road business Anokhi House of Sarees. 

Set against a display of light projections, it shows how the colours and style of the saree has changed from 2,000 BC to today. 

Shop manager Karan Modha said: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the interest and very grateful for the opportunity to display our designs. 

"The beauty of the garment is that it fits everyone, and no matter who you are, when you wear it you feel like a million bucks. It's a piece of art."

SHARING SOME DIWALI JOY

Leicester is known internationally for having the biggest public celebration of Diwali outside India (we never let people forget that, do we?). But today, in different parts of the city, there are also a number of low key, small scale events and activities for this special day. Like this one, in Highcross, where friends from the Leicester Belgrave Mela were offering free Mendhi henna tattoos and free sweets to shoppers. I was particularly interested to see this display, as it is in the same spot (East Mall, at the foot of the escalators) that we'll be holding our Inter Faith Week exhibition at the end of November.

RETURN TO BASIC VALUES HELPS IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Ramanbhai Barber's First Person column from today's Leicester Mercury:

Return to basic values helps in difficult times 

Ramanbhai Barber issues an invitation to everyone to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali 

Diwali is by far one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is of great religious, cultural, social and commercial importance. People look forward to Diwali all year around. 

Diwali is a time of feasting and celebration. People come together and share food, time and exchange gifts. 

People come together to pray for prosperity for the New Year. 

In the current economic times, when the unemployment rate is at the highest level for years, inflation is painstakingly high and fuel prices are going through the roof, many of us will be, no doubt, curbing our spending this Diwali. 

Basic commodities are not as affordable. As a community, we need to come together and share what we have. We need to share our joys to forget our sorrows. 

Sharing is a key feature of Diwali. Families and friends come together to share food, to share time, to share happiness. 

Material goods do not equate to happiness (unfortunately this is the view we are slapped with by our consumer society). Religious festivals are about connecting with God, connecting with one another. This is not done by spending lots and "keeping up with the Jones". This is done by being humble and respecting every individual and sharing joy. 

No doubt we face hard times ahead of us and the more disadvantaged will be the hardest hit. If we rekindle our community spirit and reinstate our basic values we will be able to ride out this difficult time. 

The message from our Mandir this Diwali is simple living does mean high thinking. We need to re-evaluate our lives, our needs and our desires as we cannot continue to live the lavish lifestyles many are used to. 

We need to live a sustainable lifestyle. This way we will all be happy and we will all be able to support one another. This is what the Big Society should be about: The every day person and their important role as a citizen, as a human, as a member of society. 

Diwali this year is celebrated today and New Year tomorrow. You all are cordially invited to come and celebrate Diwali with us at Shree Sanatan Mandir. 

Nutan Varshabhinandan – Happy New Year to all. 

Ramanbhai Barber, MBE, is President of Shree Sanatan Mandir, Leicester.

FESTIVAL PUT IN SPOTLIGHT BY TOP EXHIBITIONS

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Festivals put in spotlight by top exhibitions 

Diwali displays and activities introduced museum visitors to the Festival of Light. 

Newarke Houses Museum, in Leicester, held dance exhibitions and craft classes on Friday and Monday. 

Operations officer Stefanie Tyler-Divine said: "It went very well and everyone had a good time. 

"We had a dancing group in to perform on Monday and I put on a sari for the day, which was a first. 

"We had people making Diwali candle holders they can put tea lights into, as well as greeting cards." 

Diwali, which is celebrated by Hindus and other religions, takes place today. 

Thousands of people are expected to join in the celebrations at Cossington Street recreation ground in Belgrave, Leicester, starting at 6.45pm with music and dancing. 

A firework and laser display will round off the evening's events at 8.30pm.

WE ALL GET FATTER DURING DIWALI!

From today's Leicester Mercury:

We all get fatter during Diwali! 

Each week, we speak to an expert in their particular field. this weekend, we talk to mother of two Tejerani Dasi, of Ellistown, about how her family celebrates the Hindu Festival of Light 

The big countdown 

Diwali preparations begin a few weeks before the festival. Mum starts to make all the delicious deep fried snacks, called nasto – including special pastries with nuts in, sev (crisp, thin vermicelli), ghanthia (golden brown dough), chakri (crunchy spirals) and, of course, sweets.
Years ago she would sit down with other women in the community and make foods together. 

Hard to resist 

My favourites are the sweets, burfi, coconut milk, the moon-shaped pastries. Everyone always gets fatter during Diwali. 

Time for families 

I love this time of year because it is all about family and friends, and giving presents. It's very social time. 

Often you can go months without seeing people and at Diwali everybody gets together.
We call in on neighbours and give gifts and catch up with what's happening, swap recipes. It's a very happy, loving time. 

Switching on 

Today, for the lights switch-on, we will go down to the Belgrave Road and will be there for the chanting of the holy name and take Prasad (sanctified food) to give away to people.
We have something like 3,000 packs of mixed fruits and little sweets. You get to meet the whole of Leicester, and probably the whole of the Midlands, there. 

Taking turns 

As I'm married, I spend part of the celebration with my husband's family and the second day with my parents. 

We take it in turns every year. My in-laws have people coming from Tamworth and Birmingham, it's a real big bash. Three generations sitting around the table and eating lots of food, everyone chatting and being noisy because they won't have seen each other for ages. 

Golden rule 

The tradition is that a husband should buy his wife gold but I'm not really into gold – it's too yellow. I don't do the whole gold thing. 

Such a buzz 

Diwali means lots of sweets, happy faces, presents, having a day off – but it's always cold. The girls have all these pretty saris underneath a winter coat and scarves. 

I remember as a child we would have a cold nose and be absolutely freezing but still having the most fantastic time with the celebrations. I relish that we get to listen to the hundreds of people chanting the holy name, and watching the dancing. There is a real buzz about it. 

Educating children 

We have two daughters, Dhamesvari, four, and Narayani, who is 15 months old. We wrap them up really warm and go out to Belgrave Road. 

With Dhamesvari, prior to going to the festival we will role play the stories of the Gods at home, so she knows Rama and Sita and she is really loving it. I think it is important to educate the younger ones. Rama had some amazing qualities which, as human beings, we should strive towards. 

Keep it spiritual 

Not everybody does big expensive presents. I love to keep it quite spiritual instead of rushing around. I don't do the whole "let's go out and buy lots of presents". 

We prefer to make our own as then you are putting the effort into it, and thinking about the people you are giving the present to. 

At the moment my daughter is making diva lamps for her teachers, we are baking biscuits for friends and we make sure we have enough to give to everyone. 

Diwali is such a social time, you end up going to people's houses you may not have seen for a year. 

Seeing fireworks 

On Diwali Day, we will have morning worship at home. We make food for the lord and offer it at our temple in the house. Before we had the children, we would go to temple. But with young children, it is easier to worship at home, read a little bit with the children, then we will be ready to go over to lunch with the family. Then we go to Belgrave Road and meet up with friends and then to Cossington Park to see the fireworks. 

Sense of peace 

The pace of life has become so fast we are just rushing around all over the place. At the temple, there's a sense of community and peace. 

Back to the city 

We have done the whole "escape to the country" but we are moving back to the city. Once you have children, I think you need to be with your friends and family and Dhamesvari has just started a new school. 

Christmas time 

At Christmas, we will give small presents, it doesn't have to be very expensive. Last year, all Dhamesvari wanted was a pencil case so that's what she got and she loved it. 

Cow worship 

The day after Diwali Day members of the Hare Krishna temple will go to Gorse Hill City Farm for Govardhan Puja. We worship the cow on this holy day, which is the first day of the new year.

In the photo above: Tejarani Dasi with daughters Dhamesvari, 4, and Narayani, 15 months. Picture: Matt Short