Spring into Action Week 2: Get Festive

In the second part of Spring into Action I'm encouraging families to get festive. Yes, as the nights grow longer and the sun heats up, festival and carnival season is approaching. There are tonnes of child friendly events here in Belfast, though we're sadly lacking this years Children's Festival, which will return in March 2012 (don't worry though, Young at Art are still staging a few events this year, including the awesome Baby Rave).

Tomorrow is of course St Patrick Day and Belfast will be staging their annual carnival parade in the City Centre, and there will be events held in other cities across the world to mark the occasion. There will also be a Leprechaun Hunt taking place in the Ormeau Park in South Belfast on Saturday, proving that there is more to St Patrick's Day than major piss ups and can be about families too.

And on Sunday (20th March) why not dance away that hangover and experience Ireland's largest Holi Festival at St George's Market. The traditional Indian festival marking the arrival of Spring is organised by Arts Ekta and will feature a packed, show-stopping, fun-filled day of entertainment including live music and dance, international food and a craft market. Among the performers are Desi Brave Hearts, Scotland's top Bollywood fusions group, Balle! Shava!, an energetic Punjabi folk dancing group, as well as ArtsEkta's very own South Asian Dance Academy.

The main highlight of the event will be the colour powder party, where visitors will get the opportunity to throw brightly coloured powder at one another in a party atmosphere among friends. So don't be wearing anything fancy, for things will get bright and messy.

The event runs from 1-6pm and admission is £1 (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and you are advised to come early to avoid disappointment).  

You can find out more by visiting the Arts Ekta Facebook Page

Photos used with kind permission by Arts Ekta