Chessington School is set to host a community event celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Light, thanks to a £3,000 Neighbourhood Community Grant approved by the Kingston upon Thames South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee.
The grant, awarded to Namaste Kingston CIC, will support the Diwali Utsav ceremony scheduled for 11 October 2025. Namaste Kingston CIC is dedicated to enriching the lives of multicultural communities in Kingston and neighbouring boroughs through social and cultural activities.
The Diwali Ustav is designed as a large-scale inclusive community celebration, bringing together residents from diverse cultural backgrounds to share the experience of Diwali. The event will feature food, live performances, and interactive cultural heritage stations aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding, social cohesion, and community pride.
Attendees can expect a variety of food options and live music and performances that reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of the community.
According to the Public Reports Pack, while the event is expected to draw participants from across the borough and North East Surrey, organisers are keen to emphasise its importance to the South of the Borough community.
The event aims to:
- Provide a local venue and accessibility through direct engagement with the Chessington School community, specifically the arts department.
- Offer cultural education through storytelling.
- Support local businesses by attracting visitors and providing opportunities to showcase products.
- Foster ongoing community connections and cohesion.
The Public Reports Pack details the costs associated with the Diwali Ustav event:
| Income | |
|---|---|
| Tickets | £8,000* |
| Revenue from Stallholder Fees | £500 |
| TOTAL INCOME | £8,500 |
| Expenditure | |
| Venue Hire Costs | £1,800 |
| Support staff & security cost | £1,000 |
| Live Music & Performer Fees | £4,000 |
| Insurance | £300 |
| Admin - Publicity, ticket sales, decoration, banner, bands, coupons, payment gateway commission, First Aid Kit & Responder | £1,000 |
| Media Advertisement (Social Media(Paid), Print & Radio) | £1,200 |
| Photography & Videography | £1,000 |
| Diwali Gifts for all attendees | £3000 |
| Fireworks | £750 |
| Misc | £500 |
| TOTAL COSTS | £14,550 |
| DEFICITI | £6,050 |
The event organisers are seeking additional sponsorship to address any remaining deficit, which will be reduced by the Neighbourhood Community Grant. Additional sponsorship is being sought to address any deficit that remains.
The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee approved the grant during its meeting on 8 October 2025. According to the Public Reports Pack, there was £11,285 remaining in the South of the Borough NCG fund, and that after this grant is allocated, £5,285 will remain for future allocation.
The event will also support local businesses by providing them with the opportunity to showcase their products.