Devonshire Square’s Diwali Festival 2025: The City’s Coziest Celebration of Light (Everything You Need to Know)
When October starts to feel like autumn proper gold light, cooler walks, the city gently leaning into its winter wardrobe Diwali sneaks in like a warm, bright handshake. In the City of London, one of my favourite small-but-perfectly-formed Diwali moments happens at Devonshire Square (DSQ), the leafy courtyard hub tucked behind Liverpool Street. It’s intimate, brilliantly curated, and exactly the kind of event I want to send friends to when they say, “Where should I go for a proper London Diwali?”
This year Devonshire Square returns with its seventh Diwali Festival on Tuesday 21 October 2025, and the buzz is all about rhythm, colour and taste: expect energetic dance and dhol, live Rangoli art being created on site, complimentary canapés and sweets, and a signature cocktail from Cinnamon Kitchen called the “Aurora of Joy.” The whole event is free though you do need to register your place on Eventbrite (or email the DSQ team) because it’s a limited-capacity courtyard gig.
If you’re new to London, or just tired of the same big-name Diwali fairs, Devonshire Square is a brilliant pivot: it’s small enough to feel curated, and big enough to feel festive. Here’s the full guide what’s on, where to stand, travel hacks, and the little tips I’d pass to a friend.
What’s actually happening (the highlights)
Devonshire Square’s event packs several lovely touches into a short evening slot (the official DSQ page lists the festival running from 5:30pm to 8:00pm). The headline features to look out for:
Akademi South Asian Dance UK will present a live performance blending Indian folk, classical and contemporary movement think percussion-driven steps, dazzling costumes, and a real sense of cultural range. It’s the kind of live work that lands somewhere between traditional reverence and joyful stage theatre.
Rangoli art by Miguel Rajaguru. Miguel is an award-winning visual artist who creates large, intricate Rangoli live in front of visitors watching a Rangoli come together is quietly hypnotic and deeply satisfying. He often talks about tradition, pattern and modern interpretation as he works, so it becomes part art demonstration and part ritual.
Complimentary canapés, Diwali sweets, and the “Aurora of Joy.” Cinnamon Kitchen’s mixologists have crafted the Aurora of Joy specifically for DSQ’s Diwali night a golden-hued, fragrant cocktail designed to echo warm spices and celebratory notes. Expect a small tasting-style service that pairs perfectly with a short, sociable evening in the courtyard.
All of this is put together by Devonshire Square’s events team as part of their decade-long cultural calendar; it’s free to attend but registration is required via Eventbrite (Devonshire Square also accept RSVP by email). That’s important the courtyard is lovely but compact, and they manage capacity to keep it comfortable.
The vibe who goes, and why it feels different
Unlike sprawling citywide events, DSQ’s Diwali Festival is not about super-sized stages or huge crowds; it’s about warmth, detail and quality. Locals, office workers who happen to be nearby, and families who want a short, elegant Diwali evening show up. Expect well-dressed crowds, people who linger to watch the Rangoli form, and a genuinely multicultural mix the kind of cross-section that says “London” in a single glance.
If you like cultural programming that’s thoughtful (not just loud), this is the Diwali night that rewards curiosity: you’ll leave with a memory of live craft, a handful of sweets, and maybe a photo of the Dhol drums mid-beat. TimeOut’s listing of the festival called it “a compact, high-quality cultural highlight” which is exactly right.
Where to stand, where to eat, and what to bring
Devonshire Square’s Western Courtyard (where the festival is held) is atmospheric cobbled stone, mature trees, and a little enclave feeling that pops at night. For the best experience:
Arrive by 5.10–5.20pm if you want a front-row vantage for the first performance. The festival runs into early evening so earlier arrival gives you time for photos and food tasting.
Stand by the Rangoli area if you appreciate slow art it’s quieter and you can watch Miguel work close-up.
The Dhol/dance area tends to be more energetic; expect to be swept up if you stand too close. If you prefer a calmer evening, move slightly toward the periphery near the food stalls.
Bring a scarf or light jacket courtyards can be chilly in late October evenings.
If you’re photographing: low-light phone cameras do well; a small portable light can help but be mindful of the artist’s space.
How to get there the quickest routes
Devonshire Square sits behind Liverpool Street station and is part of the network of alleyways and courtyards that make the City of London feel like a secret garden if you know where to look.
Liverpool Street Station is the easiest and closest mainline and Underground hub (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines, plus National Rail and Elizabeth Line). Once you exit, follow signs for Devonshire Square / Bishopsgate and you’ll find the courtyard a short 3–6 minute walk.
Aldgate / Moorgate are also walkable depending on your direction it’s fun to approach via the City streets and spot the twinkling lights. Taxis drop off on nearby Bishopsgate but during busy events the area is best accessed on foot.
Tip: If you’re coming from outside central London, the Elizabeth Line into Liverpool Street is often the fastest option from southwest or west London. For late-evening departures, check live train times the festival runs early enough that public transport is straightforward.
Accessibility, registration & last-minute notes
The festival is free but registration is required (Eventbrite link on DSQ’s site). If spaces look full, email frontdesk@dsq.london the DSQ team sometimes holds back a small number of spots for late RSVPs.
The courtyard has accessible pathways, but if you need reserved access or assistance, email the organisers ahead of time they’re used to supporting a wide audience.
If you want to combine the Diwali night with dinner, Cinnamon Kitchen is right there in Devonshire Square their special cocktail is part of the festival story, and booking a table beforehand is a lovely way to make the night feel extra special.
Why you should go (and who you should bring)
If you live in London, this is one of those small-but-perfect evenings to bring a friend who wants culture without chaos. If you’re visiting, it’s an easy, authentic way to see how London stages Diwali with taste: a live performance, an artist’s creation in real time, complimentary treats and a crafted cocktail all in a beautiful City courtyard.
I’d recommend it for:
People who want a short, elegant Diwali night (not a full-day festival)
Families with older children who enjoy live performance and art
Anyone who loves food-and-culture pairings the Aurora of Joy is fabulous publicity for Cinnamon Kitchen’s take on festive flavours.
Final thought & where to follow for updates
Devonshire Square’s Diwali Festival is the kind of event that reminds you why small, well-made cultural nights matter: they are human, they’re easy to get to, and they leave you warm-hearted. If you’re in the City on 21 October 2025, sign up, show up, and enjoy a night that feels like a short, sparkling story.
If this guide helped, or if you want last-minute tips (best photo spots, where to queue for canapés, or which exit from Liverpool Street to take), follow me for more local, practical London guides.
For more honest, useful London tips follow @london.yaar I post maps, quick route hacks, and seasonal event highlights you can actually use. See you at the courtyard bring a friend and say hello.