HUNDREDS of families had a joyous evening celebrating Diwali with dancing, food and a fireworks display at Walthamstow Assembly Hall.

The event, on Friday (November 4), marked the annual festival of lights celebrated by millions of Hindus and Sikhs across the world.

The spectacular featured traditional music and dancing performances with a fireworks display by the town hall during the interval.

The free event packed out the assembly hall and was attended by a variety of dignitaries including Waltham Forest mayor Cllr Geoff Walker.

Diwali – which comes from from the Sanskrit word dipavali which is literally translated as 'row of lights' – celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over dark, although its exact meanings and legends vary across the regions of India.

The event was followed on Saturday (November 5) by another successful Bonfire Night fireworks display at the Chestnuts Field behind the town hall in Forest Road.

This year's council-organised event was Olympic themed and set to music such as the 'Chariots of Fire' soundtrack.

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