Bright lights of Indian tradition take over CBD this weekend

Auckland Diwali Festival of Lights brings crowds of people and the Tauranga event looks to do the same. PHOTO/FILE

Tauranga CBD will be taken over by all things bright as the popular Diwali Festival of Lights comes to the Bay for the first time this weekend.

The inaugural event is one of the main festivals held in the Indian culture and will take over Wharf St tomorrow.

The event will be held in two sessions, from 11am-2pm and from 4-9pm.

The event aims to reflect the rich Indian heritage in the Western Bay of Plenty and will feature performances from local groups and others invited from Auckland and Rotorua.

Food stalls and entertainment will line the street and the festival is expected to finish with a bang with a fireworks display.

A main stage for the event will be set up in the space between the Tauranga Art Gallery and Creative Tauranga.