We the undersigned are deeply concerned for the future of the Diwali Lights Switching On Ceremony in Leicester.

For four decades, the switching on of the Diwali lights, where 40,000 people come from all over the country, has been the biggest feature of the calendar in Leicester's festivals.

The Labour City Mayor, Peter Soulsby, has now taken a decision to cut off funding for this important festival. This will mean that unless local shopkeepers find the money, there will be no switch on ceremony.

This is a disaster.

We must keep this historic ceremony and we need to make sure that the Council reverses its decision and restores funding immediately.