Hundreds of people turned out for a somewhat belated celebration of Diwali complete with the lighting of a large candelabra on Saturday.

The Panjabi Centre in Ley Street, Ilford, welcomed councillors, MPs and families through its doors for a celebration with dancing, food and prayers.

Diwali, which means row of lighted lamps, was officially celebrated on November 3 and is often known as the festival of lights as shops and houses are decorated with oil lamps.

Charanjit Singh Bhatia, the centre’s general secretary, said: “Everyone wants to celebrate so different groups do it at different times.

“It’s a peaceful, family function to promote cultural harmony. It’s very traditional.”

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil.