ONE of the finest festivals of Indian arts will be returning to Merseyside next year.

Taking over Liverpool for a vibrant 10-day celebration, Indika festival, presented by Milap will take place from November 12, 2020.

Looking ahead to its 10th year, Indika is renowned for hosting some of the biggest names in Indian arts as well as the very best rising talent from India and the Diaspora.

There will be an eclectic programme of events featuring contemporary Indian music, dance, visual arts, film, poetry, talks and activities across locations such as St George's Hall, the Philharmonic Music Room and LEAF on Bold Street.

Building on Milap's successful collaboration as part of the citywide Sgt. Pepper's 50th Anniversary, one of the highlights of the new programme will see a major Diwali festival celebration in Liverpool for the first time.

Chief executive and artistic director at Milap Alok Nayak said: "We want to establish Indika as a cultural highlight of Liverpool, and a vital part of our year-round programme.

"The festival is designed to have something for everyone, and we're expanding to venues across the city and working with some new partner organisations.

"In addition, we'll be introducing some new festival concepts that bring you closer to Indian arts and culture, including, for the very first time, a celebration of Diwali for everyone.”

Milap host a year round programme of Indian arts in Liverpool, including regular music and dance showcases, and provide workshops and opportunities via their 'Arts School', where anyone can learn different forms of Indian classical arts.

Whether you are an Indian music and dance aficionado or eager to experience new art forms, Indika is a multi-arts festival packed full of exciting events that are sure to give you an explosion of culture and a bit of Indian spice to your Autumn calendar.

Indika will take place from 12 to 22 November, 2020, across venues in Liverpool.

Line-up announcements will be revealed in the coming weeks with tickets going on sale in Spring 2020.

For more information visit www.milapfest.com/indika