An afternoon of song and dance took place on Thursday as an Ilford charity celebrated Diwali.

Ilford Recorder: Cllr Felicity Banks (centre) at the Diwali celebrationsCllr Felicity Banks (centre) at the Diwali celebrations (Image: Archant)

Around 180 people attended the Redbridge Gujarati Welfare Association event, held at Ilford Hindu Centre on Cleveland Road.

As the crowd enjoyed a vegetarian meal, the Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Felicity Banks, was on hand to meet members.

Cllr Banks said: “I had a wonderfully warm reception followed by an afternoon of singing and dancing and fun.

“It was lovely to meet so many people enjoying themselves. It was a truly happy and memorable afternoon.”

Suryakant Patel, the association’s secretary, believed the event was a success.

“The dancing was beautiful and everybody enjoyed the meal,” said Mr Patel, of Seven Kings,

“We had a raffle and a painting competition, it was a very good day.”