FIREWORKS lit up the skies over Wembley last night as Brent celebrated Diwali.

Thousands of people watched as colourful floats representing Hindu gods crawled up Ealing Road and along Harrow Road to Barham Park.

Dhol drummers led the procession while further down the road Hare Krishna followers danced and chanted ahead of their own float.

The Diwali lights were switched on in a ceremony that started at 6.30pm, and by the end of the evening crowds packed out Barham Park for fairground rides and the fireworks and laser show.

Bhavini Hasmukh, 16, of Stanley Avenue, Wembley, said: “I think Brent has done a really good job this year of doing this festival and brining the community together.

“I've seen so many floats, it's magical. There was a float of the god Ghanesh and the god Hanuman. There were lots of lights and fire.”

Diwali means festival of light and is an important event in the Hindu calender but last night's celebrations attracted people from across the community, as well as tourists and visitors from outside the borough.

Councillor Atiq Malik (Democratic Conservatives/Queensbury) said: “There were excellent arrangements by the organisers. I could see all the community enjoying the evening.

“It was a good event for the family and all the community regardless of religion, colour and race.”

Harrow will celebrate Diwali next Saturday, when local dance groups will be performing between 10.30am and 3.30pm in St Ann's Shopping Centre.