Diwali on the Square is free: what you cannot bring and how to get there

London's annual Diwali on the Square festival returns to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 25 October. City Hall confirms that admission is free and no ticket or advance booking is required. The event runs from 1pm to 7pm.

What will you have to pay for?

Admission costs nothing. The stage programme, dance activities and family workshops are part of the event. Food and goods at market stalls may cost extra; the organiser has not published a common price list, so specific stall prices cannot be verified in advance.

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Useful tip: arrive near opening time. City Hall says entry will become one-in, one-out when the square reaches capacity. Free admission does not guarantee immediate entry at the busiest time.

What is in the programme?

An opening sequence will feature 200 dancers. The main stage will present music and performances from London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities. Family activities include sari and turban tying, yoga, meditation, puppetry and dance workshops. Vegan and vegetarian food will be sold at the market.

What can you not bring?

Every bag will be searched. City Hall's published list bans alcohol, glass, cans, bottles, outside food and drinks, large umbrellas, chairs, bicycles, scooters, selfie sticks, fireworks, candles, drones and animals other than assistance dogs. Medicines, hygiene supplies and liquids needed for a baby or child are allowed in containers no larger than 100ml.

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, with no more than four children per adult. Visitors may also be filmed or recorded for broadcast or security.

Is the event accessible?

Yes. City Hall lists level access, wheelchair-accessible routes, a lift between the North Terrace and the main square, an accessible viewing area with a hearing loop, British Sign Language interpretation for spoken main-stage shows, and a Mobiloo with a hoist and changing table. Assistance dogs are welcome. Ear defenders can be requested free of charge at the information point.

How do you get there?

Charing Cross National Rail station is about 325 metres away — roughly a three-minute walk — and has a step-free route to the square. Charing Cross Underground is the closest Tube station but is not step-free. Westminster, on the Jubilee, District and Circle lines, is the nearest Tube station with step-free access from platform to street and is about a ten-minute walk away.

Bus routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 23, 87, 88, 91, 139 and 176 stop nearby. Pall Mall East will be closed to vehicles from 5am to 11pm, so the organiser recommends public transport.

Why should you check the time?

The UK moves from BST to GMT on 25 October: clocks go back one hour at 2am. The festival begins after the change, at 1pm London time. Phones normally update automatically, but car and household clocks may need to be changed manually.