AN annual multi-cultural celebration returned to East Renfrewshire at the weekend as the Festival of Colour took place at Rouken Glen Park.

Now in its fifth year, the event aims to bring everyone together, regardless of class or colour.

Hundreds of people from all social and cultural backgrounds took part in the family-friendly day, with visitors encouraged to show their support for diversity by hurling powder paint at each other.

The aim was to use the different colours of the rainbow to demonstrate that differences in social or economic status should not be a barrier in today’s society.

The Festival of Colour is based on Holi – a Hindu festival which is traditionally celebrated in India and Nepal to signify the victory of good over evil.

A piper and drummer opened the proceedings on Saturday afternoon, marching into the events area to entertain the crowd.

As well as making a mess with the powder paint, there were a number of other activities for families to take part in, including henna hand painting, a bouncy castle and sponge throwing.

There was also a show from a Nepalese dancer, bringing a traditional aspect of the Hindu festival to East Renfrewshire.

The event was organised by a consortium, including East Renfrewshire Faith Forum, East Renfrewshire Hindu Association, Diversity ER and East Renfrewshire Council.