Trafalgar Square at the heart of the British capital was ablaze with lights and colour as Mayor Ken Livingstone led hundreds of Londoners in celebrating Diwali.

The celebration, organised for the sixth year in succession, showcased the talent of the Asian community in Britain with stunning dance and music performances last night.

Prayers were followed by music and dance and a spectacular display of lights, firecrackers and floating lanterns.

Diwali is celebrated in a number of British cities. Each year more than 40,000 attend an event in Leicester, said to be the largest outside India.

Local community groups like Saraswati Dance academy, Brahma Kumaris and Sanskar group entertained the crowd with some memorable dance performances.

NRI singer Raghav was among those who regaled the vast gathering. Speaking on the occasion, the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone said, "Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with its universal theme, symbolizes the power of good to triumph over evil." Livingstone said Diwali had a significance and meaning for all London's communities. "It gives me great pleasure to welcome Londoners of all faiths to share and participate in this joyous occasion."