A riot of colour marked the first birthday of Hounslow's open air arts venue Bell Square.

Performers painted the skies, each other and crowds in vivid hues during Saturday's (July 4) show, which was inspired by the Indian festival of Holi.

The French company Artonik invited their audience to get in on the act by showering one another with the dyed powder.

"Kindly dress your neighbour in colour. Let them be your canvas," they instructed them, and the crowds didn't hold back.

Luckily the powder was water soluble and easily came out in the wash, preventing a mammoth laundry bill.

Organisers estimate 1,500 spectators turned out to watch The Colour of Time, which began with a musical procession up Hounslow High Street.

Onlookers were treated to a dance performance outside Holy Trinity Church and watched as the troupe created rangoli-style patterns on the pavement before plumes of coloured gulal powder filled the skies.

Among the crowds were members of The Tamil Association and students from The Green School in Isleworth, who had worked with the artists to contribute to the dance theatre parade.

The next event at Bell Square, at the western end of Hounslow High Street, will be The People's Tower on Saturday July 18.

French artist Olivier Grossetete will ask the public to help him build a cardboard masterpiece between 10am and 6pm, before it is ceremoniously destroyed the next day at 2pm.

For a full list of upcoming events at the venue, visit www.bellsquarelondon.com.