STUDENTS and community volunteers will spring in to action to help celebrate the spectacular Hindu festival of Holi.

Families families are invited to join in the fun and mark the passing of winter and the arrival of spring at Durham University's Oriental Museum from noon to 5pm on Saturday, March 23.

Known as the Festival of Colours, Holi traditionally involves throwing brightly coloured powders over friends and relatives in a good-natured, and highly-visual, representation of the victory of good over evil.

The day will also include arts and craft activities, storytelling and guests will have the opportunity to help produce some traditional Rangoli designs.

Visitors will be able to dance to a mix of Bhangra hits and upbeat pop, while getting covered from head to toe in brightly coloured powders. There will be plenty to tempt the taste buds, with delicious Indian food on sale from the Asian Project street food stand.

The event is another opportunity for Durham University staff and students to make a positive contribution to the local community and share in the cultural and social life of the city.

Event organiser Charlotte Spink said: “We’ve had tremendous support from the local Durham Indian community in organising the event, as well as a team of dedicated student volunteers.

“This year’s Holi festival is going to be fantastically colourful and we’re all looking forward to a wonderful day.

“Our advice is to wear light coloured clothes for maximum effect and be prepared to get messy.

“We hope that visitors will enjoy this family-friendly event and discover what else the Oriental Museum has to offer too.”

Museum and Artefact Studies student Fiona Jeffrey will be volunteering at the event. She said: “I’m so excited about Holi. I have two young daughters who can’t wait to take part and experience Holi.

“It’s a great opportunity to experience a little piece of Indian culture right here in Durham.”

Tickets cost £4 per person, and are free for the under 2s. Visitors are advised to book in advance to ensure they get a place.

The ticket price also includes entry to the Oriental Museum on the day.

Ticketholders will receive one bag of environmentally friendly and ‘skin-kind’ Holi powder in a range of colours. Additional bags will be available to purchase on the day.

For more information visit www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum.