On Thursday 30th October, Chat Over Chai proudly hosted a radiant Diwali celebration at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, in heartfelt partnership with the National Museum of the Royal Navy. What an unforgettable afternoon it was!

With over 400 attendees, the event brought together a wonderfully diverse tapestry of communities South Asian and Sudanese families, representatives from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Veterans Outreach Support, CP Robinson from Portsmouth Pride, Hampshire Community Rail, Hampshire Police, and Portsmouth City Councillors. The energy was electric, the smiles contagious, and the spirit of Diwali shimmered throughout every corner of the venue.

A special thank you to Gurdit Singh from Hampshire Constabulary for igniting the celebration with vibrant Dhol beats, and to Vinay Jobanputra from Bolly Queer for leading a joyful, interactive workshop in the Victory Gallery. We were mesmerized by classical and folk dance performances from Prithvi School of Dance, and uplifted by a spirited Garba led by the incredible women of Chat Over Chai.

The festivities continued with delicious tea and food tastings, alongside creative arts and crafts sessions hosted by the talented team at Craftfabulous ,a true feast for the senses and soul.

But beyond the music, movement, and flavours, what truly shone was the power of Portsmouth’s beautifully diverse communities coming together to honour each other’s cultures and faiths. This celebration was a glowing reminder that unity is our greatest strength and when we uplift one another, magic happens.

A heartfelt thank you to Jo Valentine and the entire team at the National Museum of the Royal Navy for your unwavering support and belief in community-led celebrations. Your warmth and generosity make all the difference.

To our incredible Chat Over Chai volunteers thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your dedication, care, and joyful spirit made this celebration possible. You are the heartbeat of everything we do.

And to everyone who joined us, thank you for making this Diwali celebration so special. Together, we lit up the Dockyard with love, laughter, and light.

These are just a few of the photographs which capture the feel of the day.