A huge ‘I love Ilford’ light fixture landed in the town centre.

The display was part of a celebration next to Redbridge Town Hall in honour of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

The festive light sign was switched on at the beginning of the event on November 2, before people performed Bollywood dance routines and dhol drumming.

Bollywood dancers performed in front of the signBollywood dancers performed in front of the sign (Image: Paul Fox Event Capture) There was also a pop-up market and a variety of traditional goods.

As well as a large public turn-out, guests included Redbridge Council leader Kam Rai and Ilford MPs Wes Streeting and Jas Athwal.

Jas Athwal, Ilford South MP, conducting the count down to the big turn onJas Athwal, Ilford South MP, conducting the count down to the switch on (Image: Paul Fox Event Capture) Cyril Bekoe, Ilford Business Improvement District (BID) manager, expressed his thanks to the business stakeholders of Ilford BID for making the sign and event possible.

He said: “The ‘I love Ilford’ light fixture is more than just a sign; it’s a clear statement about community, diversity, collaboration, harmony and love for one another in the town in which we all live, work, and play.”