The Hindu occasion Diwali, known also as the ’Festival of Lights’, will be celebrated in the island this month.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the event, which is now in its third year at the Union Mills Football Club.

Rajesh Kilari, one of the organisers, said the event would include a buffet, a firework display and traditional dances as well as sketches by children explaining the festival.

The celebration begins at 6.30pm on November 9.

He said: ’We’ve had this for the last two years at the same venue, but it has mainly been members of the Indian community who have attended it.

’We want to get members of the public involved as it will be a nice cultural thing to be a part of. About 100 people are definitely coming and spaces are limited.’

He said the festival celebrated good triumphing over evil and usually falls around the time of Hop Tu Naa.

’The legend goes that an evil demon was killed by a king who wanted to save his people,’ he said.

Tickets cost £30 per adult, £15 for ages 10 to 18, £10 for ages five-10 and free for minors. The event starts at 6.30pm.

To book a space, contact Mr Kilari on 466999. Any dress - traditional or not - is welcome.