Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, and the UK celebrates it in style. From huge color parties in London and Leicester to family-friendly events in Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast, there are Holi celebrations for everyone, whether you are missing the festival back home or trying it for the first time. Here is how to celebrate Holi in the UK, what to expect, and how to join in respectfully.
When Is Holi?
Holi follows the Hindu lunar calendar, so the date changes each year. It usually falls in March, on the day after the full moon of the month of Phalguna. The evening before, many communities light Holika Dahan bonfires. In the UK, many public events take place on the nearest weekend, so check event listings for exact dates.
Want to understand the stories and traditions behind the festival? Read why Holi is celebrated.
Where to Celebrate Holi in the UK
London
London has the most choice. Look out for large ticketed Holi festivals with DJs, dhol drummers, lights, and color throws, pop-up events, and community celebrations at temples across the city. If you would rather celebrate with your taste buds than your face, some Indian restaurants, such as Dishoom, put on special Holi menus.
Leicester
With one of the UK's largest Indian communities, Leicester hosts some of the biggest and most traditional celebrations in the country, often including a Holika Dahan bonfire and a lively day of color in the city's Belgrave area and parks.
Birmingham and the West Midlands
Birmingham's Holi festivals often feel like a music festival, with big-name DJs, neon powders, and an electric crowd. Smaller brunches and community events take place around the region.
Manchester
Manchester celebrates with festivals in its parks and venues, featuring DJs, dhol drummers, Bollywood and Bhangra music, and plenty of enthusiastic powder throwing.
Cardiff
Cardiff hosts Holi parties with DJs, food stalls, and light shows, and indoor or covered events mean the party continues whatever the Welsh weather.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a mix of smaller independent events, from spring equinox celebrations to Holi parties at Indian restaurants, perfect for welcoming spring in color.
Belfast
In Northern Ireland, Belfast hosts Holi carnivals and university society celebrations with Bollywood music, dancing, color throws, and festive food and drinks such as thandai.
Event organizers and venues change every year, so search local listings, temple websites, and ticketing sites a few weeks before Holi.
What to Expect at a Holi Celebration
Music and dancing
Expect dhol drumming, Bollywood hits, Bhangra, and modern fusion that blends Indian classics with electronic beats. Dance circles form spontaneously, and everyone is welcome to join.
Color throwing
The famous gulal (colored powder) is thrown throughout the day, often with organized countdowns for mass color throws. Some events also use water guns and balloons. Many events sell or provide their own powders.
Food and drink
Look for Indian street food such as chaat, pakoras, and samosas, cooling lassi, the spiced milk drink thandai, and sweets such as gujiya, crisp dumplings filled with sweetened milk solids and nuts.
Host Holi at Home
Can't get to a big event? Bring Holi home. Invite friends, buy natural, skin-safe colored powders, play a Bollywood playlist, and cook classic Holi snacks. If you are throwing colors in the garden, warn the neighbors first.
Holi Etiquette: Celebrating Safely and Respectfully
Before you go
- Learn a little about the festival's meaning and traditions.
- Check whether the event is open to the public and whether you need a ticket.
- Bring your own gulal only if the organizers allow it.
What to wear
- White or old clothes that you don't mind staining.
- A bandana or cap to protect your hair, and sunglasses for your eyes.
- Pack a full change of clothes and a towel for the journey home.
- Rub coconut oil into your skin and hair beforehand to help the colors wash out.
During the celebration
- Ask before putting color on someone's face, and respect people who don't want to join in.
- Follow organizers' instructions on throwing areas.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Remove your shoes in temples and prayer areas, and be respectful during religious parts of the celebration.
- Use only skin-safe, festival-approved colors, and help keep the space clean.
Protect Your Phone and Stay Connected
Colored powder and electronics don't mix, so bring a waterproof pouch or phone case. To find events, meet friends, and share photos on the day, you need reliable data. Visiting from abroad? An egoViet UK eSIM connects as soon as you land, with no roaming fees.
Celebrating other festivals in the UK? See how to celebrate Chinese New Year in the UK and Thanksgiving in the UK.
FAQs: Holi in the UK
Where is the biggest Holi celebration in the UK?
Leicester and London host some of the biggest Holi celebrations, with large events also in Birmingham and Manchester.
When is Holi celebrated?
Holi usually falls in March, the day after the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna. UK events often take place on the nearest weekend.
Can anyone celebrate Holi?
Yes. Most public Holi events welcome everyone. Just be respectful of the festival's religious meaning and of people who don't want to be covered in color.
What should I wear to Holi?
Wear old or white clothes you don't mind ruining, protect your hair and eyes, and bring a change of clothes for the journey home.