Upton residents came together for a Light of Hope community event on Saturday 11 October at The Elgar Centre in Upton. The free event was open to everyone and combined a Walk of Light and a celebration of Diwali, while raising funds for local charity, The Lewis Foundation.
Supported with funding from Upton Parish Council, there was a fun afternoon of activities for all ages, from arts and crafts and lantern making, to henna tattoos and the trying on of traditional Indian clothing. Guests took part in reflection activities, traditional Indian dancing and delicious refreshments from The Elgar Centre Coffee Shop, with all proceeds going to The Lewis Foundation.
The event culminated in the Light of Hope Walk, to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Residents and visitors carried lanterns around Upton Country Park, symbolising remembrance, reflection, hope and positivity, before returning to The Elgar Centre for refreshments. It was a very moving moment, with lanterns lighting up the park and people walking side by side.
Volunteer event organiser Jagruti Patel said; “On behalf of local residents involved in the event, can I just say a huge thanks to the Parish Council for supporting the event. I feel the event went incredibly well – so many people are asking for more events at The Elgar Centre – so let’s see with Upton Parish Council’s continued support and working with Lorraine and The Lewis Foundation team, we can really continue to bring the community together at The Elgar Centre.
Please do pass on our thanks to everyone, especially the councillors that were so generous with spending their time at the event”.
To see our pics from this event, head over to Diwali and Light of Hope Walk – Upton Parish Council
