Thousands of revellers packed into Birmingham's Millennium Point yesterday for a celebration of Indian dance, music and fireworks.
The day after the square hosted the city's Christmas lights switching-on ceremony, it was the scene for celebrations marking the festival of Diwali.
Organised by the Hindu Council of Birmingham and the city council, the event - marked by Hindus and Sikhs - included local representatives from the major faiths, who spoke about their experiences of living together in harmony in a diverse, multi-cultural city.
Coun John Alden, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: "The Diwali celebrations are part of an annual programme of events supported by the city council that celebrates the cultural heritage of our diverse communities.
"This festival has an important role. It gives every one of us a chance to reflect as well as help to bring communities together. This is something for us all to celebrate." n A 47-year-old man was being questioned by police yesterday after a disturbance broke out during Diwali celebrations at a Sikh temple.
Warwickshire Police said several members of the Sikh community were assaulted at Leamington Spa's Queensway Trading Estate on Saturday.
Violence erupted shortly before 6pm during a meeting at the social club, said a police spokesman.
He said: "It's believed that a large group of Sikh men had travelled to the temple and a disturbance broke out. A number of members of the Leamington Sikh community were assaulted and a considerable amount of damage was caused inside the club before the men left."
Several people were treated at hospital for head and facial cuts and bruises.
The 47-year-old man was arrested yesterday in Stoke Heath, Coventry, on suspicion of violent disorder and was being held at Leamington police station.
