Clouds of colour will flood an Ipswich park next month as festival-goers celebrate the arrival of Spring.

Ipswich Star: Local politicians join members of the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association to throw popcorn on the bonfire at the 2015 event. Picture: SU ANDERSONLocal politicians join members of the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association to throw popcorn on the bonfire at the 2015 event. Picture: SU ANDERSON

Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association (ISIA) is to host its fifth Holi festival in Holywells Park on Sunday, April 8 from 1-4pm.

The Hindu event is observed all over the world and sees people smearing each other with colour and throwing bright powders in the air.

Holi marks the coming of Spring and is usually held in March.

Poli Mohan, chairwoman of ISIA, said: “Although Holi has religious roots, not much religious activity is involved in its celebration.

Ipswich Star: Festival-goers enjoying the 2016 event at Holywells Park. Picture: LUCY TAYLORFestival-goers enjoying the 2016 event at Holywells Park. Picture: LUCY TAYLOR

“The festival of Holi can be regarded as a celebration of the colours of unity and brotherhood - an opportunity to forget all differences and indulge in unadulterated fun.

“It has traditionally been celebrated in high spirit without any distinction of cast, creed, colour, race, status or gender.

“It is one occasion when sprinkling coloured powder or coloured water thrown on each other breaks all barriers of discrimination.”

Participants are encouraged to bring along roasting grains, popcorn, coconut and chickpeas to throw into a bonfire.

Entry is free and the event is supported by Ipswich Borough Council, the Lottery Fund and Suffolk Community Foundation.