SHOPPERS in Harrow were treated to day of dancing to kick off the borough's Diwali celebrations.

Young people from the Harrow-based Shri Academy of Dance entertained the crowds in St Ann's Shopping Centre yesterday to celebrate the Hindu festival of light.

They showed off their variety of dances and got shoppers into the festive mood with interactive workshops to show them the moves to A R Rahman hit Jai Ho.

Rajeshri Sheth, head of the academy, said they wanted people of all backgrounds to enjoy the Diwali celebrations.

She said: “We have not just been getting Asian crowds involved but everybody here has been joining in.

“Diwali brings people together, it's a time for giving, caring and sharing, and I think dancing plays a very big part in that.

“It is a very big day, and it is great that people have taken the time out to come along, and performances have been great.”

Around 40 young dancers were involved in yesterday's performances, coming from an academy set up five years ago which now boasts more than 200 students and has gone on to perform at the London Palladium.