On 7 March 2026, Lepra UK colleagues attended Colchester India Association’s Rang Barse: The Grand Festival of Colours at the city’s Firstsite art gallery. The vibrant Holi celebration was a day full of colours, music and family fun.
Chatting to attendees, the team raised awareness of leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) and Lepra’s work in India and Bangladesh. They also showcased images from the New Face for Leprosy photographic exhibition which challenges the myths and perceptions of this neglected tropical disease.
Claire Arculus, Corporate Partnerships Assistant Manager reflects on the day:
It was a privilege to represent Lepra at Firstsite and to work with the Colchester Indian Association, bringing together the tradition of Holi with raising awareness of Lepra's cause. I enjoyed meeting so many local festival goers and bringing the attention of leprosy and LF to so many who were surprised to hear it was still such a real-life issue.
The New Face for Leprosy exhibition will be coming to Colchester Library later this year. For more information on the exhibition, see here.
