Middlesbrough’s Diwali celebrations aim to ‘bring communities together’

Nishantini Mayurathan, a member of the region’s Sri Lankan community, said her daughters would be dancing on stage in Central Square.

“There are around 300 families living in Teesside and Diwali is very important to us and reminds us of our traditions in Sri Lanka.

“This is a chance for us to showcase our culture and talent,” she said.

The free celebrations will begin at 12:00 GMT.