Diwali Lights Up Macclesfield

Diwali’s “festival of lights” brightened up Macclesfield at a memorable community event attended by many members of the local Indian community, with local MP, David Rutley, and Macclesfield’s Mayor, Cllr David Edwardes, among invited guests.

The impressive festival was held at Macclesfield Town Hall on the evening of Saturday 13th November. Attendees enjoyed a full programme of cultural activities, including: music, dance and readings performed by members of the local Indian community, involving families and children.

The event also featured the traditional lighting of lamps - symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The celebrations were then followed by an authentic buffet of specially selected Indian food.

Nearly 80 invited guests attended the event. Members of the local Indian community were joined by local faith and civic leaders, with the Mayor of Poynton and the Chair of Prestbury Parish Council attending. Tytherington Schools’ headteacher, Manny Botwe, also attended with Cheshire East Councillor Alift Harewood, Lynn McGill, Chair of East Cheshire NHS Trust, and Andy Thompson from the Treacle Market and local Scouts.

Over the last year, David Rutley has worked closely with a small group of local residents from a number of ethnic and cultural backgrounds to support a wider diversity and inclusion agenda in our communities. This Diwali festival was initiated as part of these activities, with AstraZeneca generously sponsoring the event as part of the company’s diversity and inclusion activities. In addition, Cheshire East Council kindly assisted with arrangements at the Town Hall.

Diwali, is celebrated by many people around the world. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated with oil lamps and candles, giving rise to its well-known name as the “festival of lights”.

Speaking after the event, David Rutley said, "I am very grateful to the organisers of this sincere and warm Diwali celebration. Its message of peace is very relevant today as we emerge from the pandemic and at a time of many conflicts in the world. Seeing people celebrate this event from across our local communities, highlights the importance of working together and supporting each other across different ethnic or cultural backgrounds. Happy Diwali!”

www.davidrutley.org.uk

Pictured - David Rutley MP at the Macclesfield community Diwali event.