Diwali lights up CCC campuses with music, dancing and community spirit

Last month, we celebrated Diwali at Capital City College with events full of creativity, learning, and community spirit.

On 20 October, students and colleagues at our Angel and King’s Cross campuses came together to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with inclusive events that showcased student creativity, encouraged learning about other cultures and communities.

At our Angel Campus, enrichment officers Saranya Jeyarajah, Fiona Small, and Aleena Sharif organised a celebration in the Sixth Form canteen to promote cultural awareness and foster unity among students.

Students took part in a variety of creative and educational activities, including decorating lanterns, mandalas, and bookmarks, which were later displayed together as part of a vibrant visual showcase.

In addition, an informative display board was created featuring posters that explained the origins and significance of Diwali across Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. This helped students understand the different meanings and customs associated with the festival, encouraging interfaith appreciation and respect.

Around 40 students took part in the activities, contributing to the decorations and engaging with the educational materials. A standout moment was the enthusiasm and collaboration shown by students, who embraced the opportunity to learn from one another and celebrate shared values of light, knowledge, and community.

“This event has allowed me to become more informed about cultural celebrations outside my own, which I can use as a way to connect with other people in the college who are outside my culture.”

Clay Nyambikiwe, a student studying A level English Literature, History, Sociology at CCC, said: “I was quite confused about the event due to having no prior knowledge on the celebration of Diwali. However, that quickly changed as I started to speak to the students about the activities they were participating in, and the wonderful displays set up showing the Diwali culture for all students to see. This event has allowed me to become more informed about cultural celebrations outside my own, which I can use as a way to connect with other people in the college who are outside my culture.”

Meanwhile, our King’s Cross Campus marked Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas with a lively celebration featuring live drumming and dance performances, stalls showcasing fashion garments, henna art, and delicious food. The event brought together students and staff in a joyful atmosphere of cultural exchange.

The day also saw the launch of the Asian Staff Support Network (ASSN), a new initiative for CCC colleagues aimed at fostering community, visibility, and support for Asian staff across the college.

As part of the celebrations, Bimmy Rai MBE, FRSA and EDI Manager at CCC, presented charming themed gift bags to colleagues, including our CEO Angela Joyce, Chief People Officer Trovene Hartley and School Governor Graham Drummond.

Bimmy said: “I would like to express our sincere thanks to our senior leaders for their leadership, continued support and commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging across the college. Their leadership empowers and enables EDI initiatives like the launch of the Asian Staff Support Network during Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas celebrations—creating space for our diverse communities to be seen, valued, and celebrated.

“Through their example, the college is demonstrating that inclusion is not simply a policy but in practice—one that encourages understanding, unity, and respect across all levels of our organisation. Thank you for leading with integrity and compassion, which makes it possible for staff and students to take pride in their diverse identities and to feel valued, represented, inspiring an organisational culture where every voice and tradition can shine brighter together.”

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