Holi Festival returns to Twickenham (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Holi Festival returns to Twickenham

7:00am Sunday 10th March 2013 in Freetime By Rachel Bishop

The Holi Festival will explode into Twickenham with colourful festivity at the end of the month.

At Holi, the spring festival of colour, coloured pigment will be thrown into the air in celebration of the end of winter and the welcoming of spring.

This will be accompanied by an exciting programme of lively performances including a community dance showcase featuring local schools and youth groups; bhangra and Bollywood dancers; live dhol drummers; children’s activities and delicious food stalls selling customary delicacies.

This year’s celebrations will also extend to Church Street in Twickenham, where there will be street entertainment from noon, along with a world food and craft market.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for community, business and culture at Richmond Council, said: “Orleans House Gallery is one of very few venues in the UK to celebrate Holi, with people travelling from all over the country to attend the event. Previous Holi celebrations have seen more than 4,000 people taking part and enjoying the festivities.”

Visit richmond.gov.uk/holi or contact the arts events team for more information on 020 8831 6000 or artsinfo@richmond.gov.uk.

The event will take place at Orleans House Gallery on Saturday, March 23.