The sun shone brightly as nearly 4,000 people celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival to mark the start of spring.

A day of festivities was held at Orleans House Gallery and saw visitors take part in the traditional throwing of coloured powder, as well as enjoying a variety of live music and dance on Sunday.

Highlights included a community dance showcase, featuring young people from across the borough, and observers were then able to put their dance skills to the test thanks to a Bollywood demonstration.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council’s cabinet member for community development, said: “The festival was a fantastic success, and I’m delighted there was such a good turnout, with thousands of people attending over the course of the day.

“Fortunately the weather was very pleasant, which befits a celebration of the start of spring.”

The festival was run by Richmond Council Arts Service and the Ethnic Minorities Advocacy Group, in association with Hampton Academy.