Top Tips For Colour Powder Photography
Colour powder is for more than just fundraisers, parties and festivals. One of the most effective uses of colour powder is in photography, where it brings an additional, mesmerising effect to every shot. Whether you’re capturing portraits, colourful pet photos, sports themed shots or even a colour run or festival, holi colour powder can instantly transform an image and turn it into something striking and bold.
Colour powder photography isn’t quite as straightforward as pressing the shutter button and capturing a great photo however. It requires getting the right set up, experimenting with camera settings and planning your shots so you can capture the perfect photo. By following the right tips and using the correct techniques, you can turn vibrant bursts of colour into stunning images.
Follow our top tips for colour powder photography to get the most out of your photoshoot and capture the best bold and dynamic shots.
Preparing For a Colour Powder Photoshoot
To ensure a smooth and successful colour powder photoshoot, effective planning and preparation is key. First off, you’re going to need to find a location for the shoot. An outdoor space is ideal for a colour powder photo shoot, as it will provide plenty of natural light and give plenty of room to move around. An indoor space will work too however, provided it’s big enough and you have access to studio lights that will allow you to be in control of the lighting. If you do choose to shoot indoors, we advise keeping the studio well ventilated and staying away from heat sources while using any colour powder.
When using colour powder, expect things to get a bit messy! Not only will the subject of your image be covered in powder, but it’s likely yourself, your camera, your kit and your surroundings will be too. To protect your camera, we recommend bringing a clear plastic sheet with you so you can shield your equipment without affecting the image quality. Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit messy, and don’t forget to bring towels and a spare change of clothes for travelling home.
This is why an outdoor space is ideal for your shoot, as it makes the clean up process much easier. Colour powder is non-toxic and safe for the environment, and it will simply wash away following a bit of rain (which in the UK, never takes long!). Cleaning up indoors however, will take longer and require a bit extra work. To remove leftover colour powder from an indoor space, start by sweeping up and disposing of any excess powder. If further cleaning is required, use warm, soapy water to mop the floors and wipe down surfaces.
Next, think carefully about your shot and who will be the subject. Will they be throwing the colour powder themselves, having it applied beforehand or will it be thrown on them from out of frame? To capture the best image and keep your shoot running as smoothly as possible, an extra pair of hands is always helpful. Bring along an assistant (or two or three), especially if you plan to throw powder at the subject while you’re behind the camera. If you want to use multiple colour powders or throw the powder from different angles, having a few helping hands will make the process much easier and ensure the moment is captured perfectly.
Camera Settings For a Colour Powder Photoshoot
Getting your camera settings correct is crucial to capturing the most effective holi colour powder photos. For a colour powder photoshoot, a DSLR or mirrorless camera is best, as it allows for fast continuous shooting and burst mode to capture multiple frames quickly. Changing lenses throughout the shoot isn’t recommended as you risk getting fine powder inside your camera or lenses. If possible, bring a second camera if you want to use different settings or focal lengths.
As clouds of colour powder move quickly, you’ll need to shoot fast to effectively capture them. Set your camera to burst mode to take multiple frames per second, capturing the powder as though it’s frozen in mid-air. For this, it’s best to shoot without flash.
Use a fast shutter speed, 1/1000 or higher, to capture the motion in air. Pair it with a wide aperture, such as f2.8, to create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background while keeping your subject in focus. Keeping your ISO low, such as between 100-400, will help maintain clear, sharp images, especially when working with bright colours. A tripod can also be helpful to keep your shots steady and perfectly framed.
Taking Your Colour Powder Photo
Then comes the exciting part, taking the picture with colour powder. Start by positioning your subject exactly where you want them. Depending on the style of your shot, encourage your subject to move to create a more dynamic and energetic image.
Colour powder works especially well in sports-themed photoshoots. Make sure your subject is ready to pose or move in time with the shot and the throwing of the powder, whether they’re dancing, kicking a ball or throwing a boxing punch.
If you have an assistant throwing the powder into the shot, have them aim behind the subject rather than in front, so the powder frames the subject without covering their face.
Most importantly though, have fun and experiment! Play with the lighting, poses, camera settings and angles to find what works best for you and what creates the most striking images.
Colour powder is a fun, creative way to bring movement, striking visuals and colour to your images. You can take what might’ve been a standard portrait and turn it into something vibrant and fun. With the right planning, techniques and some experimentation, you can capture some truly unforgettable photos.
Order your colour powder from Ministry of Colours for safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly options that are perfect for any occasion. With a wide range of colours available, you’ll find exactly what you need to bring your vision to life. Get in touch with a member of our team if you want to know more about bringing a burst of colour to your photos.
How To Use Colour Powder In Your Gender Reveal
One thing that’s certain at every gender reveal is colour! Whether it’s a burst of blue, a pop of pink or whatever colour you wish to use, everyone gathers to celebrate the exciting moment when one colour is revealed. How that reveal happens however can range from the simple to the brilliantly creative.
One of the most effective ways to share the big news is with colour powder. It adds a fun, exciting twist to the event, creating a picture perfect moment to capture lasting memories. Here are some of the best colour powder ideas to make your gender reveal extra special and unforgettable.
Colour Powder Balloon Pop Gender Reveal
For a simple yet effective gender reveal, a colour powder balloon pop never fails to impress. For this gender reveal, have a trusted friend or family member fill a large black balloon with either blue, pink or an alternative colour powder of choice. We recommend using a funnel or creating a cone out of paper to make it easier to pour the powder into the balloon.
After the balloon has been filled, the next steps are to inflate it, ideally with helium for a better effect, however a balloon pump will work too. During this process, be careful not to spill any of the powder inside. If you’re choosing to inflate the balloon using your mouth, be extra careful not to ingest any of the powder.
On the big day, gather your guests outdoors and pop the balloon with a pin or needle for a burst of bright colour and a memorable gender reveal.
Gender Reveal Colour Fountain
If you’re looking for a spectacular, ‘wow’ factor moment for your gender reveal, a colour powder fountain is the way to go. Shaped and used like a fire extinguisher, a colour powder fountain releases a powerful, continuous stream of bright powder that shoots up to 20ft in the air, creating a large cloud of colour. Using a powder extinguisher for your reveal creates an exciting, high energy moment that looks incredible on camera, giving you brilliant photos and videos to look back on.
For the actual reveal, choose an outdoor area with plenty of space to get the full effect of the fountain. You can choose to either hold the fountain in your hands and release the powder yourself, or set it behind a backdrop or display for an even more spectacular sight. Have a trusted friend or family member behind the backdrop, ready to release the safety pin after the countdown. This way, you can truly take in the moment, watch with suspense with the rest of your guests and celebrate with them when the surprise is revealed.
When purchasing a gender reveal colour fountain from Ministry of Colours, you’ll receive a white fountain, with no indication of the colour inside so as to not spoil your surprise. If you would like to place an order without knowing the gender, a member of our team will be happy to discuss options with you, or alternatively have a friend or family member place the order for you.
Sports-Themed Gender Reveal Colour Powder Explosions
If you or your partner are sports enthusiasts, there are multiple ways to incorporate this theme into your gender reveal. Using an empty sports ball shell, such as a golf ball, football, rugby ball etc., have a trusted someone fill it with either blue colour powder, pink colour powder or an alternative colour of choice.
For this gender reveal, you’ll definitely want to be outside in a big open area to give space for the activity as well as for the powder to burst. Depending on your sports ball of choice, swing, kick or toss the ball and watch as a cloud of colour powder explodes in the air, revealing your big surprise.
For boxing enthusiasts, incorporate your favourite sport into your gender reveal by taping 100g bags of blue or pink colour powder to boxing pads. Then, have one person wear the pads and the other the boxing gloves. When the gloves hit the pads, the bags of colour powder will burst into a vibrant cloud of colour.
Colour Powder Gender Reveals Using Vehicles
From cars and motorbikes to quadbikes and even tractors, there are plenty of exciting ways to incorporate vehicles into your gender reveal if you’re an automotive enthusiast! One of our favourite gender reveals we’ve supplied colour powder for featured a tractor blowing a vibrant cloud of blue powder from its exhaust, creating a big, bold and unforgettable moment.
Car burnout gender reveals have become a popular choice, as they’re simple to set up yet deliver a brilliant visual impact. Start by taking your bag of colour powder and placing it on a clean section of the tyre, firmly securing it with double sided tape. Once everything’s in place, have your designated driver start the engine, rev the vehicle while keeping their foot on the brake and watch as a burst of bright powder explodes from the wheels.
Another exciting option is to fill a car or motorbike exhaust with colour powder using a spoon or funnel. When doing so, make sure there’s no excess powder left on the ground that could give away the surprise! When ready, have someone rev the engine of the vehicle and enjoy as a cloud of colour shoots from the exhaust, making for a memorable way to share the special news.
A gender reveal is all about sharing a special moment with loved ones as you celebrate the excitement of finding out the gender of your baby. By incorporating colour powder into this moment, you can add an extra level of fun and excitement while creating photo-worthy moments that you’ll look back on for years to come.
At Ministry of Colours, we’re here to help you make your gender reveal as memorable as possible with our bright, vibrant and non-toxic colour powders. We can help you get set up with all of the colour powder supplies you need for your event, even if you don’t want to find out the gender beforehand. Speak to a member of our team to discuss your options and find the right colour powder products to make your gender reveal unforgettable.
Get Spooky with Colour Powder: Creative Ways to Use It for Halloween
When it comes to Halloween, we all want to stand out and have a blast. Instead of sticking to the same old costumes, decorations and party games, why not add a splash of colour to your festivities? Colour powder isn’t just for fun runs or festivals; it can transform your Halloween into a colourful spectacle. Here are some cool ideas to get you started.
Spectacular Halloween Costumes
Why not use colour powder to create unique and eye-catching costumes? Imagine dressing up as a vibrant zombie or a colourful witch. Simply coat your costume with different shades of colour powder to give it a spooky yet playful look. Red colour powder is commonly used for blood, Green colour powder gives a putrid look, Orange colour powder embodies the Halloween spirit (resembling a pumpkin), White colour powder provides a ghostly look, and Black colour powder represents the darkness. Each powder sticks to fabrics easily, so you can let your creativity run wild without worrying too much about mess. Just be prepared for some colourful fun!
Unique Halloween Party Decorations
Planning a Halloween party? Colour powder can take your decorations to the next level. Use it to craft spooky centrepieces, fill jars, or even create funky table runners. You can layer different colours in glass containers to mimic potions brewing in the cauldron.
Spooky Games & Fun Activities for Kids
Kids love hands-on activities, and colour powder can be a blast at any kind of gathering. Create a mini colour party with a safe, supervised throw fest. Let kids toss colour powder at each other while wearing white T-shirts. To them, it’ll feel like magic! It’s a fantastic way to get them laughing and having fun. Consider a scavenger hunt where each find releases a burst of colour into the air. You can also play a spooky version of dodgeball, where players throw colour powder-filled bags instead of balls. It’s the fun twists on classic games that add a festive vibe everyone will remember.
Halloween Crafts with Rangoli
Crafting is another fun way to incorporate colour powder. You can create colourful Halloween-themed art with Rangoli and glue. Just think: spooky ghosts or spooky trees that can come alive with colour! Not only will this keep you busy, but it also lets your inner artist shine.
Wrapping Up the Fun
Colour powder can add that extra pop to your Halloween festivities, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary. Whether you’re dressing up, decorating, or just having fun with friends and family, it opens the door to creativity. So, why not embrace the colourful chaos this Halloween with safe and vibrant colour powders from Ministry Of Colours? Your celebration will be unforgettable!
Rangoli 2025: How To Make Rangoli Art
As Diwali approaches, homes across India come alive with light, colour and joy. At the heart of these celebrations is the art of rangoli, a tradition that involves making intricate patterns in the entrances of homes as a way to invite the Goddess Lakshmi and other deities, while warding off negative energy and bringing joy to homes.
Making rangoli art can be a calming, mindful experience that many can enjoy outside of Diwali celebrations, whether as a creative hobby or a way to bring positive energy into a space. At Ministry of Colours, we’ve enjoyed making plenty of rangoli art over the years, so wanted to share our favourite tips, techniques and easy design ideas to help you create your own rangoli patterns in 2025.
What is the Meaning of Rangoli?
Rangoli is more than just a decoration, it’s a symbol of peace and a way to connect with the divine. The term rangoli derives from the Sanskrit rangavalli, with ranga meaning colour and valli meaning row or line, literally translating to a row of colours.
The origins of rangoli are explained throughout history and mythology. One popular legend traces its creation back to Lopmudra, the wife of a sage called Agastya who wanted to help her husband in worshipping the Gods, so she began to make rangoli art as a decoration for a place of worship. Lopamudra asked the Panchatatva (the five elements – sky, wind, earth, fire, water) to give her colours. She collected blue from sky, green from water, black from soil, red from fire and white from wind, which she then used to create the first rangoli pattern.
What is Rangoli Made Of?
How to Make Rangoli for Diwali
Creating your own rangoli designs at home is easier than it looks and can be a fun, family friendly activity that everyone can enjoy. It even makes for a great activity for schools and can be a creative way for teachers to educate students on the traditions of Diwali.
Rangoli art at home can either be made on a flat surface near the entrance of your home, as is traditional, or inside on a tabletop or even by glueing the design directly onto a piece of paper. Start by drawing a rangoli pattern either in pencil or chalk, then carefully fill in the patterns with coloured powders, rice or flower petals. If you’re new to rangoli art, work slowly, carefully following the design to keep the lines neat. To make this part of the process easier, we recommend using easy squeeze bottles filled with coloured sand or marble dust to allow for better control.
Once finished, add small diyas or tealights around or within your pattern to illuminate your rangoli and bring your design to life.
How to Draw Rangoli Patterns
Perhaps the most challenging part of creating rangoli art is getting started with a pattern. Some diwali rangoli designs can be quite complex and intricate, but you can begin with simple geometric shapes, floral patterns, a mandala or repeating patterns to achieve an easy rangoli design.
Mandalas are popular rangoli designs as they’re naturally symmetrical, typically in the form of circular, geometric patterns. They have roots in ancient Sanskrit, with mandala translating to circle, and are used in Hinduism, Buddhism and other spiritual traditions as a symbol of peace and balance. Beginners or children may especially benefit from using rangoli stencils rather than drawing freehand.
How to Make Rangoli Designs with Dots
A traditional method for creating rangoli art is to start by drawing out a grid of dots and using this as a guide for your design. Begin by deciding the design you want to draw, whether it be floral or geometric, then draw dots evenly spaced in a 7x7 grid. Next, join your dots to form different shapes such as triangles, squares and circles, ideally in a symmetrical design. This will form a basic layout of your rangoli.
Once the basic structure is in place, you can start getting creative with the design, overlapping shapes or adding smaller patterns within larger ones, while keeping the overall symmetry. Now, all that’s left is to fill in the design with colours of your choice!
At Ministry of Colours, we’ve got just the thing needed to create easy rangoli designs at home. We’ve worked hard to develop our own rangoli kit, complete with seven vibrant colours in easy squeeze bottles that are perfect for both beginners and experienced artists alike, making it simple to draw precise patterns. We also offer rangoli colour refill sets that are ideal for schools, youth clubs or anyone that needs extra sand for larger groups. With these kits, creating beautiful, colourful rangoli has never been easier. So this Diwali, bring your home or classroom to life, celebrate the festival of lights and enjoy the calming activity of making your very own rangoli art.
Building Community Through Colour: Ryder & Dutton Sponsor St John’s School Colour Run
When the St John’s School Colour Run burst into Golcar with laughter, bright powder, and families running side by side, Ryder & Dutton were proud to be one of the event’s sponsors. For the estate agency, it was more than just a marketing opportunity - it was about living out their values in the heart of the community.
“We’re always looking for ways to support the communities we work in,” Laura Watts (a spokesperson from Ryder & Dutton) explained. “When we heard about the St John’s School Colour Run, we felt it was a fun, inclusive event that was supporting two local schools in Golcar.”
Two Schools, One Goal
The event wasn’t just for one school - it brought together St John’s School and Golcar J&I. This collaboration gave the Colour Run a bigger impact than either school could have achieved alone. By joining forces, they were able to combine resources, recruit more volunteers and participants, and share the workload of planning and organising. The result? A smooth-running event that felt like a true celebration of community spirit.
Finding the Right Fit
The connection came through Claire McMahon of the St John’s Home and School Association, who reached out directly to Ryder & Dutton. “It immediately felt like a great fit for us,” they said. And it wasn’t their first time backing a school or community initiative either: “Supporting schools and local events is something we value highly.”
The company saw a natural alignment between their ethos and the Colour Run’s purpose. “Community, health, and family are all core values for both the Colour Run and Ryder & Dutton. We believe in promoting well-being and building connections locally - this event ticked all those boxes.”
A Day to Remember
Though their involvement was primarily as a sponsor, the Ryder & Dutton team stayed close to the organisers and made sure to show up on the day. “Three members of our team attended, and they absolutely loved the atmosphere. It was vibrant, full of energy, and heartwarming to see so many children and families enjoying themselves.”
Visibility was another benefit. “We had branded signage at the event, and our logo was on the t-shirts our staff members were wearing. It was great to have that visibility while supporting a positive cause.”
Sharing the Story
The team made sure to highlight their support beyond the event itself. “We shared posts on our social media channels and included it in internal communications. We always try to celebrate our community involvement where we can,” they said. Photos of the team in action added a personal touch to their online presence.
Community Impact
Feedback from the community has been uplifting. “Several local residents and clients commented that they appreciated seeing a local business supporting school initiatives - it’s helped reinforce our role in the community.”
While new business opportunities weren’t the motivation, the event naturally fostered connections. “We did make some great connections with local families and community leaders. These kinds of events naturally open the door to new conversations.”
The Organiser’s Perspective
For Claire McMahon, one of the organisers from the St John’s Home and School Association, the Colour Run was everything she hoped it would be. “Wow, what a day - it was amazing,” she said. “Everyone was excited and there was a real community feel.”
Working alongside another school made a big difference to the scale and success of the event. “Joining the two schools meant we could use both fields, share the workloads and help each other with organising the event.”
Fundraising was at the heart of the Colour Run, and Claire highlighted what worked best: “Selling small bags of colour powder and definitely getting sponsors to help cover the cost.” The money raised will go towards a new climbing frame and playground equipment - resources that will benefit children in the local community for years to come.
For anyone planning their first Colour Run, Claire had some advice: “Take your time. Seek advice from Ministry of Colours and have fun with it.”
Looking Ahead
For Ryder & Dutton, the true reward was simple: “Seeing the smiles on children’s faces, knowing we helped make that day possible. It’s rewarding to contribute to something that brings so much joy and positivity.”
Asked whether they’d do anything differently, the answer was straightforward: “No, it was a well organised event.” As for the future, they were enthusiastic: “Absolutely! We’d be more than happy to support similar events. It’s a great way to stay connected to the communities we serve.”
And their advice to other businesses considering sponsorship? “Get involved! It’s not just about visibility - it’s about building relationships and showing your commitment to the people around you. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do as a local business.”
“Ministry of Colours were super helpful and just amazing people to deal with.” - Claire McMahon
What Is J’ouvert?: Everything You Need To Know for Carnival 2025
If you’re getting ready for Carnival 2025 in the UK, there’s one event you absolutely need to know about and can’t miss – J’ouvert. J’ouvert is all about a sense of community, has deep cultural roots and is full of colourful moments. The start of Carnival celebrations, J’ouvert brings people of all backgrounds together to dance, celebrate freedom and honour tradition in an unforgettable, joyful way.
Whether you’re a seasoned Carnival attendee or this is your first event, understanding the origins and traditions of J’ouvert adds a deeper meaning to the celebration. We’ve put together everything you need to know about J’ouvert, including where to celebrate and top tips for attending events.
What Is J’ouvert?
J’ouvert, derived from the French words “jour ouvert” meaning “daybreak” or “morning”, is a vibrant street celebration that marks the official start of Carnival, a cultural festival held annually in many Caribbean islands and worldwide. J’ouvert is known for its inclusivity and brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate freedom, unity and the expression of cultural identity.
What Happens During J’ouvert?
Celebrations begin before dawn, usually between 2-4am, and proceed until the sun has risen. J’ouvert has many traditions and sees participants take to the streets covered in paint, oil, mud and colour powder. Music also plays a big part in the celebrations, and streets are often filled with the beats of steelpan drums, calypso and soca music
Unlike the bright, intricate costumes made of beads and feathers that people associate with Carnival, J’ouvert attire is a lot more simple and is often handmade. Many dress in white or old items of clothing they don’t mind getting messy, as they soon become covered in powder, mud and paint. Some revellers masquerade as devils or traditional characters such as the Jab Jab.
The use of paint, mud and colour powder is one of the most iconic and significant aspects of J’ouvert. It symbolises breaking free from societal norms and embracing the liberating, free spirit of the celebration.
What Is The History Behind J’ouvert?
The roots of J’ouvert stem from African traditions brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans. During the French colonial period in Trinidad during the 18th century, French colonisers would hold masquerade balls that slaves were banned from attending. Enslaved Africans were said to have hosted their own mini-carnivals using their own folklore and traditions.
Before Emancipation, Canboulay was celebrated by enslaved Africans with singing, dancing, drums and stick fighting. Following the abolition of slavery in 1833, Canboulay developed into a festival for freed slaves, celebrated annually.
In 1881 however, the British colonial government in Trinidad tried to ban Canboulay. This resulted in disturbances known as the Canboulay Riots which have played a key role in shaping J’ouvert traditions. It is said that people smeared oil and paint over themselves to avoid being recognised, which has become an iconic tradition of J’ouvert.
When Is J’ouvert 2025?
J’ouvert is celebrated at different times of the year depending on when each country/city holds their Carnival celebrations. In Trinidad and Tobago for example, Carnival is traditionally held before Lent, with J’ouvert occurring on Monday morning and Carnival celebrations culminating on Ash Wednesday.
In the UK however, Carnival festivals tend to happen during the summer months, typically in August, to take advantage of the warmer weather and holiday season. While the timing may differ, the same vibrant spirit, energy and cultural pride can be found on the UK streets.
Where To Celebrate J’ouvert In The UK In 2025
The largest and most well known Carnival celebration in the UK is Notting Hill Carnival. Held in Ladbroke Grove, London, Notting Hill Carnival has taken place since 1966 and attracts over 2 million attendees. This year, Notting Hill Carnival will take place on August Bank Holiday weekend, with J’ouvert beginning at 6am on Sunday 24th. Don’t miss out on their Dutty Mas parade, where spectators can expect to be splashed with bright colour powders and paints!
The biggest Carnival celebration in the UK outside of London can be found here in Yorkshire at Potternewton Park in Leeds. Leeds West Indian Carnival will be held on Monday 25th August, with J’ouvert celebrations usually starting at 6am on the day of.
This year, we’re proud to be supplying our vibrant coloured powder at Dreamland J’ouvert, taking place at Hertfordshire Showground on Saturday, 23rd August. Expect non-stop celebrations, traditional Soca music and of course, bursts of colour everywhere you turn. You can also experience our colour powder for yourself at the Soca vs Dancehall – Taste of Carnival J’ouvert Fête in Sheffield on Friday 22nd August. Get ready for a night of high energy, lots of colour and endless Carnival music.
Tips For Attending J’ouvert
If you’re attending a J’ouvert event for the first time, here are some of our top tips for making the most of the experience.
- Wear Old Clothing – Expect to get messy! With paint, powder and mud everywhere, it’s best to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and stained.
- Bring Sunglasses – Keep your eyes protected from all of the paint and throwing powder with a pair of sunglasses that you don’t mind getting messy.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes – J’ouvert events usually last for a few hours in which you’ll constantly be on your feet, walking and dancing with the crowds. Make sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting a little paint or mud on or a pair that can be easily cleaned.
- Protect Your Phone – With lots of paint, powder and sometimes water flying around, you’ll want to keep your phone protected in a waterproof pouch or ziplock bag.
- Keep Hydrated – J’ouvert is a high-energy event and often takes place in hot temperatures, so staying hydrated is key. Bring water in a covered bottle or cup to keep it clean and free from colour powder.
- Bring A Towel or Spare Change of Clothes – Once the event is over, expect to be covered head to toe in paint and colour powder. Before getting in your car or on public transport, change into a spare change of clean clothes or pop a towel down on any seats to avoid spreading the mess.
- Have Fun – The most important thing is to of course have fun! J’ouvert was created to welcome everyone, no matter their background. Enjoy the music, embrace the culture and get ready to be showered in clouds of different colours!
As you prepare for Carnival 2025, make sure you’re ready to enjoy the full J’ouvert experience, from the community spirit to the bursts of colour and the culture that makes it so unforgettable. Whether you’re heading to a local celebration or planning a full Carnival weekend away, embracing the tradition and vibrancy of J’ouvert is the perfect way to kick things off.
At Ministry of Colours, we’ve got all of the accessories you need to get J’ouvert ready, including plain white t-shirts perfect for getting messy and colourful sunglasses made to protect your eyes. And, if you're hosting a J’ouvert event and are in need of stocking up on some safe, vibrant colour powders, we’ve got you covered with bulk options available in a variety of colours, perfect for parties, parades and festivals. To discuss your event requirements, don’t hesitate to get in touch and let us help you make your J’ouvert event a success.
5 Fundraising Ideas Sports Clubs Should Try In 2025
Running a sports club is more than just training sessions, competitions and team spirit, it’s also about ensuring that there’s enough funding to keep the club going. From purchasing new equipment and uniforms to travel expenses to upgrading training facilities, the costs of keeping a club running smoothly can quickly add up. That’s why fundraising is essential for any sports club looking to succeed.
As summer rolls around, it’s the perfect time for sports clubs to make the most of outdoor spaces and organise a fundraising event. In 2025 however, we’re looking to move past the traditional fundraisers like bake sales, raffles and quizzes and explore some fun, fresh ideas that will get everyone involved. So if your sports club is in need of some new equipment or has a competition coming up, here are 5 fundraising ideas that are guaranteed to boost funds and get the community involved.
1. A Colour Fun Run
Colour runs are exploding in popularity right now and it’s no surprise why. Fun runs encourage a bit of sporty fun while also being accessible for all ages and fitness levels, and when combined with colour powder, they turn into a vibrant event that gets everyone excited. Invite members of the sports clubs, their friends, families and the wider community to get involved in this feel-good event. It doesn’t matter if they walk, jog or run the course, the whole point is to have fun, get covered in colour and raise money for a good cause along the way!
To raise funds, consider charging each participant a small sign-up fee and encourage them to gather sponsorships leading up to the event. On the day, set up stalls selling colour powder packets, colour accessories and food and drink to boost your fundraising total.
If you don’t know where to get started with organising a colour run, check out our fundraising zone where you’ll find plenty of helpful resources and planning guides to make your event a success.
2. Sponsored Challenge
A sponsored challenge is a great way to get members active while also raising money for the club. You could organise a one-off event, such as a sponsored hike or run, or set a target over the course of a month, like running, cycling or walking a certain distance. Supply members of your club with sponsorship forms or access to an online donation page.
If you’re looking to collect donations online for your sponsored challenge (or any fundraising event for that matter!), we recommend using PitchIn Platform – a fundraising platform designed specifically for sports clubs. PitchIn Platform is a simple and effective way to collect donations, working in the same way as other popular fundraising platforms, but with additional reporting, integrations and customisation features.
To keep things fun and add a creative twist to your fundraiser, set various challenges or themed days throughout the event. For example, pick a day where everyone must do their challenge in fancy dress, or another where they need to complete their distance while dribbling a football. Set up an internal social media page or forum where everyone can share videos and updates of their challenges to cheer each other on. This will help keep participants motivated and connected throughout the fundraiser while keeping the energy high as they complete the challenge.
3. Charity Matches
This next idea is one for the parents. Let them swap the sidelines for a chance to be in the spotlight and take part in a charity match of their own! Whether it’s a game of football, rugby, rounders or cricket, this idea is a fun and lighthearted way to get families involved in their child’s favourite sport while raising funds for the club.
Charge each parent taking part an entry fee and encourage them to get sponsors leading up to the event. To raise even more funds, consider making the event ticketed and charge spectators a fee to come along and enjoy the action. You could also host a raffle at half-time or a game such as a penalty shoot out, giving spectators the chance to test their skills for a small donation. To round off the event and keep the atmosphere lively, offer lighthearted prizes like ‘Man of The Match’, ‘Best Goal’ or ‘Top Scorer’.
4. Sports Day
Everybody loved the fun of sports day back in school, so why not bring back the nostalgia by hosting an old-school sports day event for participants of all ages? Adults will be sure to love this idea, getting the chance to take part in sack races, three-legged races, tug of wars and the classic egg and spoon race once more. To turn this event into a fundraiser, charge each participant a sign up fee and offer them the option to gather additional sponsorships for taking part. You could even reach out to local businesses and ask them to sponsor individual races and activities.
You can split people into teams, encouraging them to co-ordinate their outfits with matching colours or themed accessories to add an extra element of creativity to the day. This will also add a competitive, yet lighthearted atmosphere as teams compete against each other to be the overall winner. Hand out medals to race winners after events, saving bigger trophies and prizes until the end of the day when the winning team is announced. This is guaranteed to boost engagement and energy as everyone comes together to cheer on their team mates and do the best they can to be crowned the champions.
If you want to add a creative twist to the day, incorporate colour powder into some of the challenges to brighten up the fun. During a tug of war, both teams could be showered in vibrant colours or as participants race with their egg and spoons, they have to dash through clouds of colour powder. It’s an easy way to make your event more memorable and add an extra element of energy.
5. Colour Fun Day
Why not combine multiple ideas into one and host an unforgettable colour fun day? This vibrant event could kick off with a smaller-scale colour run, setting the tone for a day packed with colourful sports activities and mini games, all wrapped into one action-packed fundraiser.
Offer participants the choice between paying an entry fee per activity or purchasing a full-day pass that grants access to every colourful activity. Boost fundraising by setting up stalls selling bags of colour powder and fun accessories, like sunglasses, visors and whistles. Encourage parents to contribute to the event by baking or cooking and feature plenty of food and drink stalls, with all proceeds going towards the club. To keep the energy high throughout the day, play non-stop, upbeat music that’s sure to keep everyone motivated.
To finish off the festivities, host an epic colour war. Make sure everyone is armed with packets of colour powder, then kick off the battle with a countdown. On one, have everyone throw their powder in the air to create a colour cloud, providing a great photo opportunity! Take things one step further by using a colour fountain to completely spray everyone in rainbow hues of colour. This all-in-one event combines fun and fitness to create unforgettable memories for everyone involved while supporting an important cause.
Here at Ministry of Colours, we’re your one-stop partner for all of your colour powder and fundraising needs. We offer high-quality, authentic colour powder that brings vibrancy and excitement to every event, along with a variety of fun and practical accessories. Beyond products, we also offer a host of fundraising resources and planning guides to help you organise a successful fundraiser with ease.
Whether you’re planning a colour run, sports day or fun day, we’re here to get your event up and running in the most colourful way possible. And remember, if you need an easy and effective way to collect donations for your event, Pitchin Platform is available to assist with their intuitive fundraising tool, designed to make the process straightforward and seamless. If you have any questions about our products or require support getting started with your event, please get in touch with a member of our team.
How To Make Your Own Colour Run Packs
Organising a colour fun run is a fantastic choice for a fundraising event and we’ve seen them rise in popularity over recent years. They offer a vibrant twist on traditional fun runs and bring people of all ages and abilities together for an unforgettable experience, all while raising money for a good cause.
There’s a lot to consider when organising a colour fun run however. You need to secure a suitable, outdoor venue, consider health and safety risks, find volunteers to help on the day and most importantly, sign up participants to take part in the run.
When runners sign up, you may charge them a sign-up fee to raise extra funds or to help cover costs of the event. This fee could also include access to a colour run pack that participants will receive on the day. These packs are a great way to engage participants and ensure they’re prepared with everything they need for the colour run. If you’re organising a colour run for schools, then a colour run pack can be a fun and practical addition to the event to ensure students are excited and prepared to take part.
We’ll let you in on all the essential things to include in your colour fun run packs along with some extra tips to make your event memorable for everyone involved.
What To Include In A Colour Run Pack
Colour Powder
The most important thing to include in a colour run pack is of course colour powder! You’ll want to provide each participant with a 100g bag of colour powder, making sure a variety of different colours are handed out. The bag is small enough for participants to carry around with them as they run and easily throw at their running partners throughout the course.
Or perhaps instead of throwing them along the route, encourage participants to save their colour powder to be used for a colour fight at the end of the run. A colour fight is a great way to keep the event running a bit longer, allowing participants to let off steam and celebrate the end of the run with a fun activity. Additionally, you could kick things off with a countdown before the fight and at the count of one, have everyone throw their powder up into the air to create a vibrant colour cloud. This will make for some great post-event pictures to share on social media!
Race Number
A race number is an essential part of any fun run pack. It helps you identify who each participant is and keep track of them throughout the race, particularly if the event is timed. They also make for great keepsakes after the race, especially when they’re covered in a rainbow of colours!
White T-Shirt
No colour run would be complete without a white t-shirt. They act as the perfect canvas for showcasing all of the bright, colourful powder that runners get showered with during the event. You may want to add a little something extra to your t-shirts and pre-print your charity logo and event name onto it. This helps to promote your cause but also makes the t-shirts more memorable to participants, allowing them to look back and remember the cause they were supporting. Don’t forget to ask runners for their t-shirt size when they sign up!
Accessories
To add some extra fun and character to your event, provide each participant with a colour accessory to wear as they complete the fun run. You may choose to give everyone the same accessory but in different colours, such as bright sunglasses, or mix and match accessories. One person may receive a colourful floral lei while someone else is running in a rainbow skirt! Either way, these accessories are designed to elevate the experience and bring a unique element to everyone’s race outfit.
Packaging Ideas For Your Colour Run Packs
Once you’ve decided what to include in your colour run packs, you may be left thinking “what’s the best way to package everything?” You’re going to want packaging that keeps everything safe and organised, but is also easy to hand over to participants and carry around.
One popular and practical option for packaging is a tote bag. They’re easy to carry, lightweight and can be reused time and time again, making them a more sustainable option. You could even customise the tote bags with your charity logo and event name for further promotion.
Another great alternative is drawstring bags. These bags are more of a sportier choice and tie in better with the theme of the day. Plus they’re easier to wear and offer a hands free option, meaning runners can wear them around the course and carry their race day essentials along with them.
If you’re looking for something simpler but still effective, custom cardboard boxes are a great option. They can be designed in your charity or event’s branding to provide a cohesive look to the overall fun run. Plus they’re easy to transport, stack and distribute, making operations a bit easier on the day.
Additional Items For After The Race
The keepsake items participants receive don’t have to end just with their colour run packs! Once runners cross the finish line, hand them a memorable item to commemorate their achievement. A colour run medal is the perfect way to congratulate runners, serving as a proud reminder of their accomplishment. Colour run wristbands also serve as a great addition to medals and can be worn a lot more easily after the event.
You may consider setting up a photobooth or backdrop for runners where they can gather with friends and family to snap a picture of them covered in a hue of different coloured powders. Photos can either be printed on site or sent to participants digitally as a lasting reminder of their joyful experience.
Here at Ministry of Colours, we have all of the products and accessories required to build your own colour run packs. From colourful accessories to commemorative items to the all important vibrant colour powder, we offer everything you need to organise a truly unforgettable colour run.
Our colour powder is non-toxic, safe for contact with skin and easy to clean. We offer our powder in a variety of sizes, from individual 100g bags all the way to 10kg bags for larger events. We even offer colour fountains which come in an extinguisher style canister, designed to spray participants in a continuous stream of colour – the perfect way to start off a colour run! Make sure to check out our full range of products and if you need any assistance finding the right items for your event, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
My Journey to India: The Heart of Our Colour Powder Production
India has always fascinated me. As the birthplace of the colour powder that fuels festivals, colour runs, events, and celebrations all around the world, it’s a country rich in tradition, culture, craftsmanship, and vibrant energy. Last year, I (Nigel Halliday, Managing Director of Ministry Of Colours) had the privilege of visiting our suppliers to see firsthand how our authentic, top-quality colour powder is made - from locally sourced ingredients to the final product that ends up in the hands of our customers.
Authenticity at the Core
At Ministry of Colours, we believe in bringing our customers the most authentic experience possible. That’s why we source our colour powder directly from India, the home of Holi and colour celebrations. Unlike some other alternatives, our colour powder follows a traditional production process that has been passed down for generations.
The journey starts with locally sourced cornstarch, chosen for its soft, silky texture and natural properties. This starch is then dyed using food-grade colours, ensuring that every handful of powder is not only vibrant but also safe for the skin and the environment. Once dyed, the powder is dried using natural heat and sunlight, or where needed, renewable fuels, making the entire process sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
One of the things that struck me the most during my trip was how deeply committed our suppliers are to sustainability. In a world where industrial production often comes at the cost of environmental damage, I was proud to see how our colour powder is created using eco-conscious methods. The reliance on natural drying techniques (it was very hot there!) reduces energy consumption, and by using non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients, we ensure that our colour powder leaves no harmful impact on the planet.
Making a Difference: Economic and Social Impact
Beyond sustainability, our colour powder production plays a crucial role in supporting local communities. Every bag of powder we sell helps employ over 100 people, from factory workers to logistics teams, helping to provide stable income and opportunities in regions where employment can be scarce.
One of the most inspiring aspects of our supplier’s business is their dedication to gender equality and social responsibility. Their female Sales Director is a testament to the changing dynamics in India’s workforce, and I was truly inspired by her leadership and passion for the industry. On top of this, our manufacturer actively supports Government schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which translates to “Save the Girl, Educate the Girl.” This initiative aims to combat gender bias and improve opportunities and welfare services for young girls, ensuring they have better access to education and a brighter future.
Knowing that our partnership contributes to such meaningful causes makes every festival, race, and event that uses our colour powder even more special.
A Journey of Insight and Appreciation
Walking through the production facilities, meeting the dedicated workers, and witnessing the traditional craftsmanship behind every batch of powder was a great experience. It reaffirmed my belief in our commitment to quality, authenticity, and ethical sourcing.
At Ministry of Colours, we’re not just selling colour powder—we’re sharing a piece of India’s rich culture and supporting a supply chain that empowers communities. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this industry, ensuring that every handful of colour you throw carries with it a story of tradition, sustainability, and positive impact.
Until next time, India—thank you for the colour, the culture, and the inspiration.
Nigel Halliday
Managing Director, Ministry of Colours
7 Creative Colour Run Ideas For Schools
Colour runs are quickly becoming a go-to fundraising event for schools and PTAs and it’s easy to see why. They’re fun, energetic and create unforgettable memories. We’re loving seeing more and more schools organise colour runs each year and providing them with our authentic colour powder to make their events memorable.
If your school organises a colour run every year, you might be looking for ways to shake things up and keep them fresh and exciting. Adding a creative twist not only makes the event more fun and engaging for students, but also helps attract more participants and sponsors.
To help get your brain ticking and inspire your next event, we’ve put together seven creative ideas that are guaranteed to add more fun and make a difference to your next school colour run.
1. Lay Out Obstacles
Laying out various obstacles throughout your colour run course is a great way to add an extra element of fun to your event. Consider incorporating tunnels, balance beams or hula hoop courses to your track to challenge students and keep them engaged. We’ve got plenty more colour run obstacle ideas over on our blog if you need some inspiration!
2. Place Interactive Challenges Throughout The Course
If you want to add engaging activities to your colour run but want something a bit safer and easier than obstacles, then interactive challenges are the ideal option. Set up stations around the course that students have to complete a mini challenge at before they can continue on their way. This could include a bean bag toss, a hula hoop challenge or completing jumping jacks. Once a student has successfully completed their challenge, spray them with a blast of colour in celebration and send them on their way.
3. Play A Game Of Tag
Put a colourful twist on the classic concept of tag rugby by incorporating a similar idea to your fun run. Each participant starts the colour run wearing three coloured tags around their waist. As they run around the course, they must dodge and avoid the volunteers trying to remove their tags. To increase the fun, have the “taggers” armed with packets of colour powder and whenever they successfully tag someone, they celebrate by giving them a splash of colour.
For even more excitement, consider adding obstacles to the course that students must climb over or crawl under all while avoiding the “taggers”. This game is great for keeping spirits high and providing a few good laughs as students try to out manoeuvre the “taggers” and make it to the end of the course.
4. Get Parents and Teachers Involved
Colour runs don’t have to be just for students and are a perfect opportunity to get people of all age groups involved. Family members and teachers may decide they don’t want to stand on the sidelines and want to get in on the colourful action themselves. This could involve them running the colour run alongside the students or hosting a separate run afterwards, just for family and teachers.
Consider selling small 100g bags of throwing powder especially for this event to raise some extra funds on the day. We’re sure students will be lining up to purchase them so they can throw colour powder at their parents and teachers as they run by!
5. Set Different Themes For Each Lap
Rather than having students run a normal lap, switch things up by setting different themes for each lap they complete. For example, one lap must be completed by running or walking backwards while the next lap must be completed by side stepping the entire way. This presents a great opportunity to get creative and think outside the box. It’s also sure to bring plenty of laughs on the day!
6. Host An Award Ceremony
After the colour run is finished, gather everyone together for an award ceremony. For everyone who participated in the colour fun run, award them with a certificate, colour run medal and a wristband to congratulate them. You could even give out extra awards to individuals such as ‘Most Colourful’, ‘Fastest Time’ and ‘Best Dressed’.
7. Finish With A Final Colour Celebration
As the day comes to an end, gather students, teachers, volunteers and family members together for one final celebration. Make sure everyone’s armed with a packet or handful of colour powder and on the count of three, let the colour war begin! A colour fight is a great way to prolong the fun and get runners and spectators involved in an unforgettable moment.
We suggest setting up a PA system if you have one and playing some music to accompany the fight and keep the energy going! A PA system is a good addition to the event as a whole and can be used in a pre-run warm up to get everyone in the mood as well as throughout the colour run to keep spirits high.
This celebration presents a great photo opportunity and is the best way to use up any leftover colour powder from the day. You could even take this as a chance to raise some extra funds and sell additional throwing powder in 100g bags to participants.
For any teachers and PTA members looking to host a colour run for their next fundraiser, don’t hesitate to check out our school fundraising zone where you’ll find a variety of helpful guides and resources. From tips on how to organise a school colour run to promotional posters and sponsorship forms, we’ve got everything you need to ensure your event is a success.
If you need any assistance finding the right products for your event or have any questions about our colour powder or accessories, feel free to reach out to a member of our team.