Notts County Foundation recently brought the spirit of Diwali to life with an unforgettable celebration hosted at The Nest at Meadow Lane. The state-of-the-art venue, with its 1,200-person capacity, served as the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with culture, community, and connection.
The event was a collaborative effort between Notts County Foundation and several local partners, including Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, Nottinghamshire Police, Guru Nanak’s Mission, and Punjabi School.
Guests were warmly greeted by representatives from Notts County Foundation and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. The evening opened with a powerful performance by Punjabi School, who presented Bandi Chhor Divas. This Sikh tradition commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment in 1619, a story that coincides with the Diwali festival and symbolises liberation and enlightenment.
The Sanskriti Association of Nottingham further added to the evening by sharing the historical and spiritual significance of Diwali, helping attendees connect with its deep-rooted meaning.
The Nottingham Asian Arts Council captivated the audience with mesmerising performances by their Music & Dance Academy students. They showcased traditional dance and live music, giving young talent a platform to shine.
”It was amazing to see everyone come together to celebrate Diwali! From the performances to the food, it was a true showcase of our community’s diversity and spirit. We couldn’t be prouder to have hosted such a special event.” – Jada Shuriah, Sport and Inclusion manager at Notts County Foundation.
No celebration is complete without delicious food, and guests enjoyed catering provided by Vegetarian Rasoi, alongside sweet treats from Working Man’s Kitchen.
With over 140 guests in attendance, the Diwali event at The Nest highlighted the power of cultural exchange and community spirit. Sikh and Hindu community members shared their stories and traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of experiences that resonated with everyone present.
”Together, we were able to create a truly special experience that not only celebrated the spirit of Diwali but also brought our community closer in ways that will resonate long after the event”. – Farah Khan, Farah Khan, Community Engagement Officer at Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club
This special evening showcased the role The Nest can play as a hub for celebration and connection in Nottingham, hosting events that bring the community together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this celebration of light and unity.
We also want to extend a special thank-you to the Premier League for their generous support of this event, which enabled us to make it free for attendees. Their backing through the Premier League Fans Fund helped ensure we could bring this celebration to life and share it with our community.
The Premier League Fans Fund provides grants to support football clubs at all levels of the game to strengthen connections between them, their fans and local communities.
The funds supports a range of fan-focussed and fan-led projects, helping to foster a sense of belonging through meaningful engagement. This includes schemes for under-represented groups, to further develop an inclusive and welcoming matchday experience for everyone.
