Milap announce extended programme of events as part of Diwali celebrations

At the end of October, Milap are spearheading the Liverpool city region’s celebrations for Diwali – the iconic Hindu Festival of Lights.

Building on last year’s successes, 2024 sees an expanded programme of events.

Including both children’s storytelling and craft workshops in association with The Reader and the return of the wildly popular Diwali Brunch at Bundobust Liverpool, Milap will also – for the first time – collaborate with River of Light. This year’s programme will bring the “surreal, joyful, loud and unapologetic” work of artist Murugiah to the city’s outdoor trail.

River of Light + Milap

A highlight in Liverpool’s arts and culture calendar, River of Light is an annual free event that provides an outdoor illuminated gallery on Liverpool’s Waterfront, featuring light and sound from local, national and international artists. This year’s instalment will feature 12 large-scale installations of Visual Art centred around the theme ‘Play’.

This autumn, River of Light will partner with Milap to present an Indian-inspired light installation, perfectly timed for Diwali – the Indian festival of lights. Internationally acclaimed artist Murugiah will present his highly acclaimed work, ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’, commissioned by Greenwich Peninsula. The piece is a vivid three-dimensional sculpture representing the interconnectivity of existence; a diagram of the cosmos.

Milap 2024 Diwali Celebrations

Murugiah’s ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’

A debut collaboration sparks for River of Light and Milap as the internationally renowned artist Murugiah displays a stunning Indian inspired light installation on the Liverpool Waterfront.

Absorb the magic of Diwali and celebrate the Festival of Lights by immersing yourself in River of Light this autumn.

Friday 25th October to Sunday 3rd November / 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Mann Island Atrium, 25 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP,
Free Admission.

Find out more here.

The Reader + Milap present Diwali at The Storybarn

The Reader and Milap come together again to present Diwali at The Storybarn. Following on from last year’s sell-out event, The Reader’s Story Hunters are back with the spirit of Diwali exploring the Indian festival of light.

There’ll be time to explore the magical Storybarn, share Diwali inspired stories and crafts, and create your own magical tale. Best suited for 4-9 year olds, younger siblings welcome.

Saturday 2nd November / 10:00am & 12:30pm, The Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, L18 3JB.

Find out more here.

Bundobust + Milap present Diwali Brunch Celebration

After last year’s sold-out event, Milap will join forces with Liverpool’s favourite Indian street food restaurant, Bundobust, to host a celebratory Diwali brunch. Expect a morning filled with magic, joy, and fun — perfect for friends and families as we come together to celebrate Diwali, a festival that symbolises joy, new beginnings, and hope, fostering togetherness and renewal.

Attendees can enjoy a diverse showcase of Indian culture – featuring live music, DJ sets, arts and crafts, storytelling, and dance performances – whilst tucking in to an exclusive Indian brunch menu created by Bundobust.

Sunday 3rd November, Bundobust Liverpool, 17-19 Bold St, L1 4DN.

Tickets available from the venue

Upcoming Shows…

Shez Raja (Future Yard, Birkenhead)

On 28th September, Milap collaborate with Future Yard for the first time to present Wirral-born Bass Virtuoso, Shez Raja.

Voted ‘one of the hottest bass players in the world’ by readers of Bass Player magazine, Raja is renowned for his unique ‘Indo-jazz-funk’ sound, high energy live shows and global star collaborations with Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Trilok Gurtu and Wayne Krantz.

For the first time in 25 years, Raja returns for a special and heartfelt homecoming show. Expect a sonic kaleidoscope of euphoric jazz, thundering funk, tuneful ragas and intoxicating grooves.

More info here.

Rajhesh Vaidhya (The Tung Auditorium, Liverpool)

On 26th October, Rajhesh Vaidhya – a maestro of the veena and world-renowned Indian classical musician – will take the stage at Liverpool’s state-of-the-art venue, The Tung Auditorium.

Rajhesh’s unique style, characterized by exhilarating speed and the use of electric and amplified strings, has earned him critical acclaim. He has collaborated with illustrious musicians and film composers, including Sir Elton John.

Joining Rajhesh on stage are two powerhouse Indian percussionists: Sai Giridhar on mridangam and Kousic Sen on tabla, both known and admired for their ability to elevate any musical performance to new heights.

Find out more here.

Rajeeb Chakraborty (The Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic)

On 15th November, the soulful sounds of the sarod return to Liverpool with the world renowned Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty.

A celebrated musician, composer, and educator, Rajeeb’s mastery over the instrument is unparalleled. His performances are renowned for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, effortlessly transporting listeners to the heart of Indian classical music.

Joining Rajeeb is highly acclaimed tabla maestro, Kousic Sen, whose intricate beats and dynamic range perfectly complement Chakraborty’s sarod, making their collaboration a true musical journey that celebrates the timeless beauty and rich traditions of Indian culture.

Find out more here.