Clouds of colour were expected to flood an Ipswich park today to celebrate the arrival of spring – but rain clouds instead put a put a dampener on proceedings.

Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association (ISIA) took the difficult decision to postpone its fifth Holi festival, in Holywells Park, due to poor weather.

The event was set to take place from 1-4pm today, but organisers announced the postponement following an inspection of conditions at the park this morning.

The Hindu event is observed all over the world to mark the coming of spring – and is usually held in March, but takes place a little later in the year in Ipswich, due to unpredictable weather.

Poli Mohan, ISIA chairman, said: “We’ve had to postpone the event because of conditions. We took the decision with our partners, Ipswich Borough Council, and will be rescheduling to another date.

“These things happen. Unfortunately, the weather is not under our control.

“Holi usually takes place on March 2 and 3, but we hold it in April because of the weather. It hasn’t been a problem in previous years.”

ISIA is hoping to announce a new date for the event later in the week.

The borough council said the week’s rain had made the park very boggy underfoot, and that conditions had worsened with more wet weather this morning.

A spokesman added: “We appreciate this will be very disappointing but we do want people to enjoy themselves at this event and organisers will be announcing a new date soon.”