UK–India Creative Circle Celebrates Diwali 2026 Bringing the UK and India’s Creative Industries Together
On Friday 30th October 2026, The UK–India Creative Circle (UKICC), Founded by Executive-Chair Dr R. Sri Ram, brought together leaders from across the creative industries to celebrate Diwali with special guest of honour Lord Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
With a couture show from Indian designer Anamika Khanna and Amrapali Jewels, performances from the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Club Blue powered by DJ Lancey Foux and friends and leading figures from fashion, luxury, music, media and business.
The evening was hosted by Dr R. Sri Ram, Founder and Executive Chair of the UK–India Creative Circle and joined by Co-Chairs from the creative industries and British and Indian press: Caroline Rush CBE, Sujata Assomull, Lydia Slater, Divia Thani, Lucy Cleland and Cora Delaney. The Master of Ceremonies was Babita Sharma.
Dr R. Sri Ram, Founder and Executive Chair of the UK–India Creative Circle, said:
“Diwali is a celebration of light, hope and new beginnings, and tonight we wanted to express that spirit through the extraordinary creativity that connects India and the UK. Bringing together couture, jewellery, music and some of the most inspiring creative voices from both countries is a powerful reflection of the cultural relationship we are continuing to build. The UKICC was founded on the principles of promoting trade and collaboration opportunities between the creative industries of the UK and India, and the UKICC Diwali party is a firm expression of the £250 billion shared economic value that the two creative economies bring. We have carefully curated businesses which have a strong interest in both the UK and India to showcase their work for the party and beyond – from production, retail, luxury activations, hospitality, food, business services and more. We were delighted to have such distinguished guests; Anamika Khanna, Amrapali, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and London’s finest DJs to what was a very special evening.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“It was so inspiring to join leaders from across the creative industries as we celebrated the enormous contribution that London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to helping make London the greatest city in the world. We don’t simply tolerate each other, we celebrate each other. Diwali carries a message that speaks to us all: that light will always triumph over darkness, good will defeat evil, and compassion and goodwill can overcome division and despair.
“UK-India Creative Circle’s Diwali celebration shows the very best of our capital as we build a better, brighter and more inclusive London for everyone.”
The event celebrated the creative relationship between the UK and India, through a programme of live performances, bringing together classical music, club culture, Indian couture and jewellery with some of the UK and India’s most distinguished creative institutions and contemporary talent.
Caroline Rush CBE, former CEO of the British Fashion Council and Co-Chair, UK–India Creative Circle Diwali Party said:
“Anamika Khanna joining the UK-India Creative Circle Diwali celebration is a real coup. Paired with the beautiful jewellery from Amrapali and incredible musical talent, it showcases the very best of our creatives from UK and India. This is about more than a moment. It’s about connection, exchange and celebrating together.”
Anamika Khanna, Indian Fashion Designer, said:
“Diwali has always been a celebration of light, beauty, craftsmanship and new beginnings, and I was delighted to be able to bring my work to London as part of this very special evening. For me, fashion is a powerful way of telling stories and connecting cultures, and this collaboration with the UK–India Creative Circle, alongside the artistry and jewellery of Amrapali, is a wonderful expression of that connection. It was a special moment to celebrate with an audience that represents the extraordinary creative relationship between India and the UK.”
Anamika Khanna presented a special couture show in partnership with Amrapali Jewels, bringing one of India’s most distinctive contemporary design voices to London. Known for her sophisticated approach to Indian couture, Khanna’s work combines traditional craftsmanship with an unmistakably modern design language.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) showcased their quintessentially British cultural brand while celebrating Indian creativity through interpretations of classical music for string quartet alongside arrangements of well-known songs by India’s leading composer, A.R. Rahman.
The DJ programme was presented by Club Blue, powered by British rapper, producer and artist Lancey Foux featuring Asian DJ Kizzi and DJ Amari
It was a wonderful celebration that moved seamlessly between couture, jewellery, classical music and contemporary culture, reflecting the spirit of the UK–India Creative Circle itself.
Club Blue Founder, Lancey Foux said
“CLUB BLUE is proud to be a part of the UKICC this year, it’s an honour to be part of an amazing event and organisation alongside so many other innovative artists and individuals. We thank Dr. R. Sri Ram for all his support. We hope this is the first of many times we take part and we hope it was a night to remember”
STRENGTHENING UK–INDIA CREATIVE COLLABORATION
The UK–India Creative Circle is a not-for-profit initiative established to strengthen collaboration and commercial ties between the UK and Indian creative sectors. Its work focuses on creating opportunities across the two countries’ creative industries which is jointly valued at over £250bn, while highlighting artists, designers, craftspeople, filmmakers and other creative talent.
The 2026 Diwali celebration built on UKICC’s inaugural Diwali event at the Royal Automobile Club in 2025, which brought together creative and cultural leaders for a celebration featuring a fashion presentation in collaboration with Asia’s leading couturier, Manish Malhotra, UKICC’s inaugural global ambassador.
Set within the historic surroundings of the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall, the evening brought together an invited community of designers, artists, entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, media figures, luxury specialists and business leaders.
