Known worldwide as the ‘Festival of Colours,’ Holi is a traditional Hindu celebration that marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.
Taking over the Beaver Works in Hunslet, the annual celebration has become a major cross-cultural event, bringing together thousands of people for a day of music, dancing, and, of course, plenty of neon powder.
The festival is also a celebration of love and inclusivity. The tradition of throwing coloured powder (known as gulal) is said to originate from stories about Lord Krishna, who playfully applied colour to others' faces to make everyone appear equal.
Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Steve Riding captured these colourful pictures from the event...
1. Leeds Holi Festival 2026
The annual celebration has become a major cross-cultural event, bringing together thousands of people for a day of music, dancing, and, of course, plenty of neon powder. | Steve Riding
2. Leeds Holi Festival 2026
Known worldwide as the ‘Festival of Colours,’ Holi is a traditional Hindu celebration that marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. | Steve Riding
6. Leeds Holi Festival 2026
The festival is a celebration of love and inclusivity. | Steve Riding