Events & Entertainment, Purbeck | Posted on October 29th, 2026 | return to news

Corfe Castle lights up for Diwali

Over 1,100 visitors joined BPC’s Indian Community to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, at Corfe Castle.

Sunday 25 October saw the ruins of Corfe Castle glowing with light, colour and music. The Diwali evening opened at dusk with a diya-lighting ceremony and closed with a thundering dhol climax.

Co-created by the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch (BPC) Indian Community and the National Trust, the celebration saw visitors of all ages and backgrounds gather for the lighting of the diyas and the official opening, with the castle’s ruined silhouette illuminated behind them.

A packed programme of performances followed on the central stage. It included Rajasthani dance from Garima of Rajwadi Roots, Kathak from Moulika Dance, Bollywood routines from the Bombay Dance Club and young dancers from Bollywood Beatz Kids, alongside live singing and semi-classical dance. The evening ended with a grand finale from dhol drummers.

Around the castle grounds, visitors arrived through an entrance decorated with rangoli and flowers, and explored Indian food stalls, community stalls and hands-on rangoli and craft activities for children.

Anjali Mavi, Poonam Paranjpe and Abhishek Jhawar from the BPC Indian Community said: “Watching people from so many different communities light a diya together as the castle lit up was a moment we will never forget. Diwali is about light, hope and togetherness, and that is exactly what we felt on Sunday. Thank you to every performer, volunteer and visitor who made it so special.”

Eoin McDowell, Property Operations Manager at Corfe Castle, said: “It was wonderful to see the castle filled with music, dance and light. Events like this, created with and led by our community partners, show what Corfe Castle can be: a place where everyone is welcome and where the traditions of all Dorset’s communities are celebrated.”