The annual celebration, organised by the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation (IHWO), took place on Saturday, October 31, with a packed programme of cultural activities, entertainment and festivities in the Market Square.
The free event featured cultural stalls, food and drink, arts and crafts, henna painting, saree dressing and live performances, bringing people together to celebrate one of the world's most important Hindu festivals.
One of the highlights was the spectacular evening parade, which saw giant illuminated puppets, colourful lanterns and community participants make their way through Northampton town centre.
The procession featured music, dancing and dazzling displays of light, with families lining the streets to enjoy the celebrations.
The festival has become a much-loved fixture in Northampton's annual calendar, attracting visitors from across the town and beyond while celebrating its diverse communities.
Ahead of the event, Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, chair of the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, reflected on how the celebrations had developed over the years.
"What started as a small community celebration has grown into something that brings people from across our town together, and we are incredibly proud of how the event has developed over the years," she said.
"Diwali is about light, hope, positivity and coming together, and those are messages that we feel are particularly important right now."
Councillor Keith Holland-Delamere, chair of the community services committee at Northampton Town Council, also praised the festival's role in bringing people together.
"Diwali is a fantastic example of how Northampton's diverse communities come together to celebrate culture and tradition while inviting everyone to be part of the occasion," he said ahead of the celebrations.
The 2026 festival was supported by Northampton Town Council, West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Town Centre BID, alongside a host of local organisations and businesses.
21. Northampton's much-loved Diwali Winter Festival of Lights returned to Northampton on Saturday
Northampton's much-loved Diwali Winter Festival of Lights returned to Northampton on Saturday Photo: Kirsty Edmonds