A COLOURFUL spectacle of Spring traditions from across the world was celebrated in Barrow this weekend - despite the windy weather.

BarrowFull’s annual Festival of Colours returned for its third edition on Saturday, March 23, offering a taste of international arts and culture as well as entertainment from closer to home.

It took place at Barrow Town Hall, Town Square and The Forum, with a range of creative workshops including Bollywood and Afro-Brazilian Dance sessions.

Audiences also enjoyed storytelling, music from South Lakes Rock School Choir, and Boom Dang’s All Stars community drumming band, as well as a variety of arts activities.

Helen Bartosinski Communications and Marketing Manager for BarrowFull said: "It is nice to bring everyone together and see the range of different ways of people celebrating Spring and new life at this time of the year.

The Mail: Helen Bartosinski of BarrowFull enjoying the festival.Helen Bartosinski of BarrowFull enjoying the festival. (Image: Filipa Gaspar, Newsquest)

"People of all different heritages and nationalities and anyone who lives in Barrow and the surrounding areas can enjoy it - there is something for everyone."

"People say it is great this is happening in Barrow without having to travel far. Cost is a barrier for a lot of people so it is nice to provide something that is completely free.

"We want to make art and culture part of everyday life and I think that is what people in Barrow have appreciated."

Emily Payne participated for the first time in the events team and said it is 'super important' to have a multicultural event in town.

The Mail: Emily Payne working in the events team at the festival.Emily Payne working in the events team at the festival. (Image: Filipa Gaspar, Newsquest)

She said: "Particularly with a town like Barrow, I feel like there is not a lot of cultural diversity. It is not really something that was particularly talked about when I was growing up, so to have these festivals like this is amazing."

Coming directly from Ulverston, friends Beth Skinner and Jenne Huston who attended the festival for the first time said it was 'amazing'.

Beth said: "It gets everyone into the centre of Barrow and it is good to experience different cultural celebrations."

Jenne said: "It is amazing - we are hoping to stay for the full day. I could see it working well in Ulverston as well."

The Mail: Beth and Jenne's children dressed up in colourful costumes. Beth and Jenne's children dressed up in colourful costumes. (Image: Filipa Gaspar, Newsquest)

BarrowFull’s Creative Director, Daniel Tyler-McTighe, said: "Spring is a time of looking forward to new life and new experiences and our Festival of Colours brings the world to Barrow’s doorstep, making memories which remain all year round. It’s a celebration of diverse arts and culture too good to miss."

The event finale, brought back by BarrowFull due to popular demand, was the Holi coloured-powdered throwing, which painted both the Town Square and visitors, with a kaleidoscope of colours as the event came to a close.

The Festival of Colours is produced in partnership with the Forum (Westmorland and Furness Council), is sponsored by BAE systems, and is supported by Barrow Town Council.