The Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID) have announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated Birmingham Diwali Mela festival for 2024, including the iconic festive lights that have traditionally illuminated Soho Hill, Soho Road, and Holyhead Road during Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Eid, Christmas, and New Year celebrations.

This decision comes after a challenge by a small number of businesses against the recent successful BID ballot result, where an overwhelming 75% of businesses voted in favour of continuing the BID for a third term. Despite this clear mandate, disgruntled businesses have forced the BID to reevaluate its planned events and services, effectively holding the entire community hostage.

The BID's activities are currently suspended due to an appeal lodged against our successful re-ballot. This legal challenge has resulted in the withholding of our funding, leaving us unable to proceed with our planned community events and services. The cancellation of the Diwali Festival is a direct consequence of this funding freeze, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this unjustified appeal on our entire community.

The cancellation of this cherished event will have far-reaching consequences:

  • Over 30,000 visitors will be deprived of a vibrant cultural celebration
  • Local businesses will lose significant revenue from increased foot traffic
  • The community will miss out on a unifying event that showcases its diversity

For a decade, the Birmingham Diwali Mela has been a cornerstone of cultural expression in the area. Its cancellation represents not just the loss of an event, but a setback to community cohesion and cultural pride.

Those responsible for the challenge have been urged to reconsider their actions and prioritize the greater good of the community as the Soho Road BID remains committed to its mission as it calls on all stakeholders to support the reinstatement of the cultural celebration and the swift resolution of the funding issue.

The BID say that they extend its deepest apologies to the thousands of residents, visitors, and businesses who have come to cherish these celebrations. They went on to say that they are grateful for the continued support of the majority of their levy payers, local MPs, Councillors, the West Midlands Mayor, and the wider community during this time.

For further information or to voice support for the BID and its activities, people can contact the Soho Road BID office.