Marvel Stadium’s new “Town Square” to host Diwali

Docklands will host Melbourne’s largest ever Diwali festival on Saturday, November 11, in what will be the first major community event taking place at Marvel Stadium’s new Town Square precinct.

Diwali at Docklands, celebrating the Hindu festival of lights, will take over the redeveloped Town Square entrance between gates one and three at Marvel Stadium this month with a jam-packed line-up of entertainment and activities.

The festival is being organised by local not-for-profit organisation SarasCare with the support of the Dusk till Dawn Activation Grants program, which is part of the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government. 

With the event being the first ever of its kind to take place within Marvel Stadium’s new Town Square entrance as part of its $225 million redevelopment, festival organisers told Docklands News that more than 9000 people had already booked their free tickets at the time of publishing, with 1000 new tickets released.

Diwali at Docklands was formally announced on October 16 at a special launch event with Lord Mayor Sally Capp at Harbour Esplanade, where illuminated “Happy Diwali” signage has also been erected opposite Latrobe St.

CEO of Melbourne Diwali Anna Bhardwaj said, “Melbourne Diwali 2023 is more than just a celebration; it’s an embodiment of how cultures, ideas, and traditions can merge to create something truly spectacular.”

With Diwali one of a number of events supported through the Dusk till Dawn grants program, the Lord Mayor said twilight events such as Diwali both illuminated the city, but also “electrifies our night-time economy”.

“These activations will see more than 80,000 people flock to the city to experience the best of Melbourne – taking advantage of our incredible retail and hospitality offerings by day and sticking around to soak up the nightlife.” 

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events Steve Dimopoulos added: “From Diwali celebrations in Docklands to Melbourne Fringe festivities at Queen Victoria Market, we are proud to back these events which join an action-packed line-up of creative activity.”

The festival will offer a wide range of foods, live entertainment, cultural experiences and giveaways, with the event also being broadcasted live via social media.

Organisers are also calling on local businesses to sponsor the event, who will also have access to the “Diwali Business Lounge”, which Ms Bhardwaj said would provide “a hub for brainstorming, networking, and symbiotic collaborations”. The event is also being supported by more than 500 volunteers and performers.   

A “Pre-Diwali Extravaganza” will also take place at The District Docklands on November 9 and 10, featuring an array of workshops, food, market stalls, dance, and fun – primarily curated for and by the local community and businesses. •

For more information: docklands.community