An Adelaide council that had rejected a Diwali festival has offered to allow it.

Campbelltown City Council last week rejected the Punjabi Association of South Australia’s request to hold a Diwali Festival at Thorndon Park in October.

Minutes from the meeting reveal that the council was about to approve the use of the park when two councillors vetoed the motion.

Councillors John Kennedy and Neville Grigg had some oddly conspiratorial reasons for not wanting the festival to go ahead.

Their concerns appeared to focus around the fact that a language other than English may be spoken.

Cr Kennedy said he had “grave concerns” about the Punjabi Association’s planned use of the park.

“I'm not against multiculturalism, but ethnic groups do have a habit of hiding behind their language, as we have seen in recent years with certain groups in Campbelltown that have been here for many, many years,” he said.

“I really have a concern that we are just tying a noose around our head, around our neck, and we just will not be able to police all the conditions.

The councillor said that in the event of an incident, “we will probably get them turning around and shrugging their shoulders and saying; ‘Me know nothing’.”

Councillor Grigg said park organisers “stuffed up” last time the event was held.

“I know a little bit about foreign languages and that sort of thing and there's no way known they are going to speak in English the whole day.”

But the council's CEO has now met with the Punjabi Association of SA to re-offer the park for use.

The council is still seeking to impose some conditions, including starting the event at 4:00pm instead of 11:00am and banning fireworks.

If the association agrees, it will have to file a new motion to be passed by the council.

It is understood that the Punjabi Association is looking at other options, as fireworks are a central part of the Diwali celebration.

The Association has also lodged a code of conduct complaint against the council.

Premier Jay Weatherill reflected on the councillors' views on Wednesday.

“I mean it's almost bizarre isn't it? It beggars belief that we could have such ignorant remarks that are made by councillors who have offered themselves for public office,” he said.

“I hope people reflect on that the next time these people offer themselves to be representatives.”