London, UK – An electrifying crescendo is expected to mark the 40th Annual Diwali Celebration in Leicester this year as world-renowned tabla player and electronic music pioneer, Talvin Singh, prepares to take the stage. This highly anticipated event, scheduled for Sunday, November 12, 2023, will be hosted at the vibrant Golden Mile, a bustling shopping area renowned for its cultural richness.
The Mercury Music Prize winner for his debut album ‘OK’ (1999) is gearing up to switch-on the magic for more than 30,000 attendees with his unique blend of Indian rhythms and Asian underground beats adding more fervor to the 40th anniversary of the Switch-on Diwali event at Golden Mile- a kaleidoscope of colours, ornate decorations, and bustling markets that reflect the vibrant and diverse culture of the area.
View this post on Instagram
Talvin Singh, who was honored with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his outstanding contributions to the music industry promises a grand celebration of music, culture, and community, embodying the essence of this ancient festival while embracing the spirit of modernity at the 40th Switch-on Diwali event. Known for pushing the boundaries of music, Singh has garnered global acclaim for his innovative approach, earning him collaborations with iconic artists such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, Madonna, and Massive Attack.
The 40th Annual Diwali Celebration in Leicester is a testament to the city’s rich cultural diversity and heritage. As the second-largest Indian-populated city outside London (almost 6.6% of the Indian population resides in Leicester), the city has embraced Diwali with open arms, making it a major cultural and community event. The festival brings people of various backgrounds together to celebrate the Festival of Lights, fostering unity and harmony among its residents.
View this post on Instagram
Commenting on the renewed Underground British Asian music scene, Singh told MixMag: I always knew it was gonna happen, that it would always reignite itself, because there’s history there. What I love is there’s so many South Asian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian origin DJs. There’s also more female DJs making brilliant music than there are men, I think it’s great. That feels so good. Daytimers and Dialled In have done so much brilliant work. We have a lot of love and respect amongst us: they give me a lot of love and respect and I return that to them. I’m really happy to bring out my record at a time like this.
Singh’s performance at Leicester is said to be the highlight of the evening, adding an exquisite musical dimension to Leicester’s annual Diwali celebration. With his skillful mastery of the tabla and electronic wizardry, he is expected to create an unforgettable auditory experience for the thousands of attendees expected to gather on the Golden Mile.
The Golden Mile will be transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration, featuring enchanting dance performances and a multitude of stalls offering exquisite jewellery and delectable cuisine. The festival’s significance has grown over the years, symbolizing the city’s commitment to embracing and promoting cultural diversity.
As the sun sets on Sunday, November 12, 2023, all eyes will be on the Golden Mile, where the brilliant lights, enthralling music, and the magic of Diwali will come together to create an unforgettable experience for all who attend this milestone celebration.