Thousands of people attend colourful Holi festival in Ipswich

Coloured power was handed out by volunteers, with plenty to last the whole afternoon

Crowds of people have been covering each other in coloured powder, celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi.

About 2,500 people spent the afternoon in the sun in Alexandra Park, Ipswich.

The event, which symbolises the start of spring, was postponed last weekend because of high winds from Storm Kathleen.

Manish Surana, of the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association, said: "You can see everyone has energy, everyone has fun."

Sri Tedla, a pharmacist in Ipswich, went along to watch one of his daughters dancing

Before the powder-throwing, there were performances of Bollywood dancing, a bonfire and a free taste of thandai - a drink traditionally made with milk, peppercorn, almonds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, cardamom, saffron and rose.

WATCH: Holi in action!

Sri Tedla, attending with his family, said: "This feels brilliant - amazing! When I was growing up in India, we always had a fantastic day out.

"Every year [Holi in Ipswich] is getting bigger and better.

"It's is not just the Hindu community or the Indian community, it's everybody - all colours all religions. Everyone comes together - one community."

The Benn family travelled from Hadleigh to join in the Holi fun

Tom Benn visited with his family from Hadleigh after seeing the event advertised on Facebook.

He said: "The weather's perfect! We were going to come last week but obviously it was postponed, so it's great.

"I think it's great to get everyone together, for the culture, for the kids to get involved with. [It's a] friendly atmosphere. What more could you want?"

The bright colours do wash off, although people were encouraged to wear old clothes