This year's Holi Festival falls on March 14th, bringing one of India's most beloved events to cities across the UK.
For those missing celebrations back home and newcomers eager to experience the Festival of Colours, Holi is the perfect celebration of spring's arrival.
The good news is that the UK goes all out for Holi. Think festivals with music, dancing and - most importantly - an absurd amount of coloured powder.
Adobe Free Stock / Niks Ads
From London and Leicester's huge mass gatherings to smaller but equally fun festivals in Birmingham, Manchester and beyond. The UK is home to some incredible Holi events.
How to Celebrate Holi in the UK
Whether you're looking for a full-blown colour party, some family-friendly fun or a way to celebrate the festival as a first timer, there's a Holi event for everyone.
Consider this your ultimate guide to celebrating Holi in the UK, including the best places to celebrate, what to expect and top tips for revellers.
A word of advice - get some white t-shirts ready and leave your Sunday best at home.
Adobe Free Stock / danielszura
Holi Celebrations in the UK
Belfast
In Northern Ireland, organisers Badnaam Bollywood are hosting a Holi Drunch at Thompson's Garage on Sunday 16th March 2025.
Expect a carnival, Bollywood and Tollywood music from a live DJ, dancing, powder-throwing and holiday food and drinks, including thandai.
Adobe Free Stock / Yulia Furman
The Queens University South Asian Students Society is holding a Holi celebration at the The Botanic Inn/BoHo gardens on Saturday 15th March.
Featuring Bollywood, Bhangra and fusion music, powder-throwing, authentic foods and photo booths. A great opportunity for some Holi Insta moments.
Birmingham
On Sunday 16th March, London-based singer, songwriter and producer Arjun will be bringing his beats to the Birmingham Holi Festival.
Think Holi meets Glasto - epic music, neon powders and an electric atmosphere. If you love a festival vibe, this is the one for you.
You could also head to Wightwick and Finchfield Cricket Club in Wolverhampton for a Holi Brunch.
Adobe Free Stock / Jacob Lund
Cardiff
On Friday 14th March 2025, Cardiff's biggest Holi festival takes place at Corporation Yard. Get ready for live DJs, food stalls, lights and lasers and undercover celebrations.
Thankfully, the party can continue in the face of any unpredictable Welsh weather.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh will host several independent Holi events in 2025. These include celebrations at the Salisbury Centre and Spice Lounge Kitchen's Rang de Holi party.
Perfect for introducing spring in the most colourful way possible.
Adobe Free Stock / maxbelchenko
Leicester
Holi is a big thing in Leicester.
With a strong Indian community, Leicester’s Holi celebrations are some of the largest and most authentic in the UK.
Expect traditional Holika Dahan bonfires and a lively day of colour chaos.
London
When it comes to Holi, London goes hard. Head to the House of Holi, a pop-up tent where you and your mates can chuck colourful powder at each other until your heart's content.
Alternatively, you could head over to Brentford Studios for London's biggest Holi festival.
Expect plenty of colour chaos inside the club. Add DJs and 3,000 other ravers, lights, lasers, fireworks and more.
Dishoom also hosts a stylish and delicious Holi feast. Ideal if you'd rather celebrate with your stomach than your face.
Manchester
Platt Fields Park turns into a mini Mathura during Holi, with an explosion of music, dance and colour. Expect DJs, dhol drummers and plenty of enthusiastic powder-throwing.
And if you want to celebrate hard, head to Six Trees Kitchen and Bar in Stretford on Saturday 15th March for the Manchester Holi Festival.
Adobe Free Stock / Yulia Furman
Once again, Arjun will be bringing his signature fusion of contemporary Western and Eastern sounds to the event. Does he ever sleep?
Can't Travel? Host Holi at Home
If you can't make it to a big event, you always have the option to bring Holi to your home.
Host a mini Holi gathering with friends, stock up on coloured powders, blast a Bollywood playlist and cook up some classic Holi treats.
Just maybe warn the neighbours before you start flinging colours over the garden fence.
What to Expect at a UK Holi Celebration
A Great Atmosphere
Holi celebrations typically combine spontaneous chaos with organised festivities.
Expect a buzz of excitement from the moment you arrive, with crowds gathering in anticipation of the first colour throw.
Adobe Free Stock / spyrakot
The energy builds throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that's both exhilarating and welcoming.
Music and Dance
The soundtrack of Holi spans traditional and contemporary music, such as the following.
- Dhol drummers creating infectious rhythms.
- Bollywood hits to get everyone moving.
- Modern fusion music blending Indian classics with electronic beats.
- Live performances from artists like Arjun mixing Eastern and Western sounds.
- Impromptu dance circles where everyone's welcome to join.
Powder Throwing
The famous gulal powder throws happen throughout the day.
- Organised colour throws at set times, usually announced by hosts.
- Spontaneous powder play between participants.
- Different coloured powders representing various meanings.
- Natural gulal options for those with sensitivities.
- Water guns and balloons at some venues.
Food and Refreshments
The culinary experience is a crucial part of any Holi celebration.
- Traditional street food stalls selling regional Indian specialties.
- Fusion dishes combining British and Indian flavours.
- Fresh coconut water and lassi for refreshment, alongside the spiced milk drink thandai.
- Special Holi sweets and desserts, such as the sweet dumplings gujiya.
- Food trucks offering everything from chaat to contemporary cuisine.
Holi Etiquette - Celebrating Safely and Respectfully
If you're new to Holi, there are a few things you'll want to bear in mind before throwing yourself head-first into the celebrations.
Image owned by author, Denise Tench
Before You Join Holi Celebrations
- Research the cultural significance of Holi.
- Check if the event is open to public participation.
- Arrive in appropriate clothing.
- Bring your own gulal if specified by organisers.
What to Wear
- Choose a white shirt you may want to keep as a souvenir afterwards.
- Leave anything expensive or precious at home.
- Pack a complete change of clothes for travelling back.
- Consider wearing a bandana or cap to protect your hair.
- Choose comfortable, washable footwear.
During the Celebration
- Ask permission before applying colour to someone's face.
- Respect personal boundaries - not everyone wants to be covered in colour.
- Follow the organisers' guidance on designated powder-throwing areas.
- Be mindful of photography - ask before taking pictures of others.
Cultural Considerations
- Remove shoes when entering temples or prayer areas.
- Listen to and respect announcements in multiple languages.
- Appreciate the spiritual aspects of the festival.
- Learn a few basic greetings in Hindi or regional languages.
Environment and Safety
- Only use festival-approved colours.
- Dispose of empty colour packets properly.
- Keep water use moderate and mindful.
- Help maintain clean celebration spaces.
- Look out for fellow participants.
Protect Your Tech and Stay Online
Capturing the moment is all part of the modern Holi festival experience.
But coloured powder and electronic devices aren't natural friends. Investing in a waterproof phone case is a good idea.
Adobe Free Stock / Ievgen Skrypko
So too is making sure you're connected and sharing your snaps throughout the day.
This is where an eSIM comes in handy.
With an eSIM from Airalo, you can stay online during the festivities. Whether you're celebrating in the UK or exploring events across Europe and the rest of the world.
Say goodbye to fiddly plastic SIM cards. Head to the Airalo store, choose your destination and data package, install and go.
Finally - have a happy Holi!
