By james art 
Birmingham’s Diwali Mela, which attracts thousands of residents and visitors, has been canceled this year due to a “funding freeze”, according to the Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID).
The organization responsible for organizing the community event has revealed it faces a funding freeze following an appeal against the recent successful vote which would have renewed the BID for another cycle.
Held annually in Birmingham, the Diwali Mela transforms streets such as Soho Road and Holyhead Road with festive lights, music and cultural events. This year, the festival was to be held on November 1, marking Diwali.
Uncertainty over the future term and funding of the BID calls into question the fate of future community events, raising concerns about whether the Diwali Mela will return in 2025.