With a shared belief in the power of the arts to enrich the lives of individuals and communities through celebrating our shared cultural diversity, and a commitment to creating inclusive spaces for people to come together, GemArts and Baltic have worked together on 5 iterations of Holi Festival of Colours, celebrating spring, new beginnings, and the Holi tradition. 
 
This one-day event invites the communities in Gateshead and across the North East that GemArts and Baltic work and create with, and live alongside, to enjoy a programme of creative workshops, Henna stations, dance performances, music, and delicious Indian food.
 
This year, we’re thrilled to unveil a brand-new feature of the festival, the Holi on the Tyne stage on BALTIC Square, bringing world-class South Asian performances to our celebration throughout the day. We’re also growing our programme with additional school and community workshops to spark excitement and deepen understanding in the run-up to the event.
 
The festival culminates in a spectacular colour throw, marking the arrival of spring in a burst of joyful energy. It’s great fun and a little messy, so please wear something you don’t mind getting colourful.
 
Usually celebrated in March, Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates spring, love, and new life. This event is for people of any faith and those with none. 

Please don’t bring backpacks or your own powder pigment with you. Free pigment will be provided at the event.  After the event, please don't visit our gallery spaces as we try to keep our exhibitions clear of coloured pigment.  
 

Holi Festival of Colours 2026 Programme

Holi on the Tyne Stage on Baltic Square
12.00-16.00: Turn up the colour and the volume with Spice FM’s Sandeep & Gaurav and Shai Guy on the decks, spinning fire Bollywood, Bhangra, and Holi bangers — backed by the thunderous energy of Rhythmix Dholies. Shai Guy brings next-level Bollywood vibes with explosive beats, genre-bending mixes, and a worldwide sound that hits hard.
 
12.30: Dhol Buzz & Lezim Rhythm
13:00 Mi Marathi Dhol Tasha                                          
13.15: Madhura Godbole Bollywood Dance Group                     
13.30: Bombay Baja Brass Band                                                
14.10: Juggy D                                                                            

Baltic Square

Colour Throw:
15.00-16.00: It’s colour o’clock! Join the mass colour throw and celebrate Holi and the arrival of spring in a burst of epic vibes.
15.00: Zephyrus Arts – Bollywood dance performance                
 
Food
12.00-16.00: Enjoy our Holi menu, including delicious Indian street food by Newcastle Hindu Temple, and Baltic Kitchen classics with a South Asian twist. Food can be eaten outside on the Square, or inside, in Baltic Kitchen.
 
12.30: Bollywood Baja Brass Band (walk about performance)       
14.00: Delilah the Elephant – Moving Parts Arts                              
15.00: Delilah the Elephant – Moving Parts Arts                              
15.00: String and Strong’s Great Big Game-a-Thon                        
                                                                                                                       
Baltic Ground Floor – top of stairs
12.00: String and Strong’s Great Big Game-a-Thon                        
13.00: Delilah the Elephant – Moving Parts Arts                             
14.00: String and Strong’s Great Big Game-a-Thon          
              
Front Room
Holi décor by Chai Events
13.00: Kuchipudi Dance by students of Payal Ramchandani          
14.00: Priya Sundar – Bharatanatyam Dance                                  
  
Level 1 Main Space 

Henna
12.00-16.00: Get beautiful henna designs by Simran, Gurbax, and Namita.
 
Workshops
12.00-16.00: Artist-led workshop with Pui Lee
12.00-16.00: Artist-led workshop with Emma Sheridan
 
Performances
12.00: MK Dance Academy – Bhangra dance performance
12.15: North East School of Dhol 
12.30: Madhura Godbole – Kathak dance performance
13.00: String and Strong’s Great Big Game-a-Thon
13.30: Zephyrus Arts – Bollywood dance performance
14.00: Bharatanatyam Dance by students of Guru Mrs Pani 
14:30: Dhol Buzz & Lezim Rhythm

Level 1 Cube

Bollywood Dance Classes
12.30 & 14.00: Get moving in this high-energy Bollywood dance class with Breeze George, bringing the beats, the moves and the Holi vibes!

Level 1 Foyer
GemArts’ Cultural Threads creative health programme presents a Holi Festival exhibition, created in collaboration with communities and schools across Gateshead, showcasing decorative artworks inspired by Holi.

Level 2, Learning Lounge
Activities for families (Hula Hooping, small-scale circus/play skills, den building with Holi drapes)

Level 4
12.30,13.30 & 14.30: Nick Abel – Sitar and electronic sounds   (3 x 30 minute performances)

Level 5
Performance
13.00: Priya Sundar – Bharatanatyam Dance                            
14.30: Madhura Godbole – Kathak dance performance         

 
Supported by  
Arts Council England, Gateshead Council and North East Combined Authority
 
Partners
NEXUS, Newcastle Hindu Temple, Chai Events and Spice FM

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