Across the day, get creative with hands-on activities that celebrate Diwali and explore light, colour and community.
Some highlights include:
Diwali Block Printing
After a brief introduction to the history of this traditional craft, printmaker
Neera Sehgal will guide you in creating vibrant Diwali cards using hand-carved woodblocks. All materials are provided, but we recommend wearing clothing you don’t mind getting a bit inky. Neera is a West London artist and printmaker. Her work with Indian woodblocks on handmade paper, draws on her connections to her heritage and culture.
Mughal Motif Embroidery This drop-in workshop invites families to create a community art piece inspired by the rich history of Mughal motifs. Led by artist Semira Badesha, you will learn different embroidery stitches and embroider your own floral motifs onto the collaborative fabric. The project symbolises the essence of Diwali as a festival of togetherness, where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate community, creativity, and shared heritage.
Digital Light Painting (11:00 - 13:00, 13:30-16:00)
Draw pictures and write words using torches at this light painting workshop led by photographer Jasprit Singh. The images are captured using long exposure photography and families will be able to save the photos afterwards.
Diwali Film Screening
Enjoy a family friendly film on the big screen with your little ones in a relaxed environment
Visit Essentials and Accessibility
Food and drinks - Children's meal deals and highchairs are available in our cafés. Packed lunches can be eaten in the Lunchroom or John Madejski Garden.
Breastfeeding & Baby Changing - Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the V&A. Quiet spaces are available for those who prefer privacy. Baby changing facilities are available in most toilets.
Buggy Park - There are main buggy park areas near Cromwell Road entrance and the cloakroom near Exhibition Road entrance.
Events are free and drop-in, but places for some are limited, so please arrive early to avoid disappointment. Last entry 30 minutes before event closing time.