Chloe's Giant Howarth Sleepout 2023 recap
It was 7pm, Friday 13th, and the journey to undertake the GIANT HOWARTH SLEEPOUT 2 (GHS2), had started. It was a clear night and the stars gave a clear hint as to the cold temperatures to come….
GHS is an event organised in conjunction with the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust (HGCT) and The Howarth Foundation. Brave volunteers spend the night outdoors at the John Smith’s Stadium to raise funds for both causes.
The experience provides a powerful insight into what it is like to spend a night outdoors and how homeless people have to cope on a daily basis.
HGCT is the official charity of The Huddersfield Giants, with a mission to support underserved children. The Howarth Foundation works with local organisations to support individuals who are, or have been, homeless back into employment.
The Ministry of Colours team and I headed down to The Zone in Huddersfield, to meet the participants of the event and discuss the schedule for the night. We were greeted at The Zone, home of HGCT, by the lady herself, Lisa Darwin, the CEO, who welcomed us warmly in preparation for the cold night ahead.
Once the flock had gathered, we headed to The John Smith’s Stadium, to collect our mattresses for the night - cardboard boxes!
Climbing the stairs of the stand, looking for a place on the concrete to rest our heads, it seemed that outside, and in those conditions, there were very few places to get a comfortable night’s sleep.
Laying the cardboard, unravelling our sleeping bags and really feeling the cold air, it began to sink in. Some sort of understanding of the distress that the homeless must be in, trying to find some form of shelter, and sometimes with very little to keep themselves warm.
Once set up, we went to get a hot drink, appreciating how grateful we were to receive what must be a luxury for those on the streets.
It was then time to hear from the Howarth Foundation, the touching story of a former homeless person who now works alongside the Howarth Foundation to help others escape the streets. He told us, how quickly life can change, how suddenly he became homeless and how he wanted to raise awareness to try to stop this happening to others. This touched my heart and made me so grateful for the home I live in.
After the Huddersfield Giants Cheerleaders lead us through the Macarena and Cotton Eye Joe to get us moving in the cold, it was finally, time to head to our cardboard beds. Walking past shelters people had built for themselves to shield the wind was a reminder that when homeless people are outdoors, completely covered with whatever materials they can find, this is necessary to survive the night.
We laid down, not knowing if, or when, we would sleep, despite having the reassurance of knowing that this was an organised event. Unfortunately, most homeless people, don't have the comfort of knowing that they and their belongings are safe for the night as many are sadly subject to attacks and theft.
With the wind blowing, the noise of nearby Huddersfield town and the rustling from others, I began to understand the stress that the homeless must be under to get even a minute’s rest. I can't imagine the mental and physical pain that they go through.
After what seemed like years, I could hear the campers stirring, the clock had hit 5:45am and it was looking like time to pack up. The relief that rushed through me, knowing that I no longer had to lay there in the cold, was second to none. I can only guess as to how the homeless must feel, when they get a steer in the right direction from the Howarth Foundation.
Upon reflection, it’s safe to say that what The Howarth Foundation does is amazing. The appreciation from victims of homelessness, when they get the help that they deserve from the charity, makes this a very worthy cause.
Although it was challenge for the Ministry of Colours team, we will certainly be doing the event again and raising money and awareness for the unfortunate people within our community suffering from poverty and homelessness.
Our donation link is still open....
Thank you all for the donations - it is appreciated by all.
Chloe x
Colourful Halloween Costume Ideas
We’re officially over halfway through October and you know what that means, Halloween is just around the corner! We’re incredibly excited for Halloween here at the MoC office and have been brainstorming our Halloween costume ideas for weeks now.
We thought of all the usual Halloween fancy dress ideas that you see every year, witches, mummies, werewolves etc. But then we thought, why not go for a bit more of a colourful costume? Colour powder isn’t just for fun runs or festivals; it can transform your Halloween into a colourful spectacle.
So if you’re searching for last minute, easy Halloween costume ideas for kids or adults, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. Let’s bring some colour to this Halloween!
Colourful Skeleton Halloween Costume Ideas
A skeleton is a simple, yet effective costume and screams Halloween. But who says they have to be black and white? We definitely don’t! Ditch the boring old monochromatic skeleton costume and instead grab some of our vibrant colour powder, a black t-shirt and black trousers.
Draw out your skeleton design on the t-shirt and trousers with some glue and pour the powder over. Once dried and ready to be worn, paint your face with a spooky skeleton head and there you have it, a scary, simple but electrifying Halloween costume!
Dia de los Muertos Costume Ideas
The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a holiday traditionally celebrated in Mexico, full of life and colour. It’s common during this celebration for people to paint their faces with a colourful sugar skull design, wear bright clothing and floral headbands and hats.
Taking inspiration from this vibrant celebration will make for a fun, easy and colourful Hallowen costume, creating a chance to get a bit creative with your sugar skull face paint.
80s Pop Star Halloween Costume Ideas
Travel back in time to the era of neon with this easy 80s pop star Halloween costume idea. Our tip is that the more colour you can include, the better for this costume! Think bright legwarmers, neon leotards or t-shirts and of course, you can’t forget the accessories. You’ll need a neon pair of sunglasses for sure, bold jewellery and a headband to match your big hairstyle.
Artist Halloween Costume Ideas
Now this one may be the simplest Halloween costume out of the bunch, but it’s still a colourful consideration. Turn yourself into your own living work of art by starting with an apron or some oversized clothing. Then, here comes the fun part! Taking some of our colour powder (choose any colours you like) throw them all over the clothing like paint splatters and with the addition of a paint palette and a brush as props, you’ve got the perfect, easy to put together costume for Halloween night.
Additional Ways To Make Your Halloween Colourful
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 a cauldron.
Spooky Games & Fun Activities for Kids
Kids love hands-on activities, and playing with 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. It’s a fantastic way to get them laughing and having fun. Consider a scavenger hunt where children hunt for sweets and each time they one, a burst of colour is released 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 an exciting vibe everyone will remember.
Halloween Crafts with Rangoli
Crafting is another fun way to incorporate colour powder into a colourful Halloween. You can create bright Halloween-themed art with our Rangoli art kits 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.
So, there you have it! With these colourful and vibrant Halloween ideas, you can let your creativity run wild. Well guys, gals and ghouls, we hope you all have a colourful and spooktacular Halloween! May your night be full of scares, laughter and plenty of sweets and chocolate!
What is Diwali and why do we celebrate?
Diwali: The Festival of Lights Explained
Diwali, also known as Deepavali and the Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.
People across the world celebrate Diwali every year, making it one of the biggest and brightest festivals in the global calendar. Families, communities and friends come together to enjoy food, decorations, lights and celebrations filled with colour and joy.
Although Diwali began in ancient India, the festival now reaches millions of people across the world. Today, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all celebrate Diwali in different ways while keeping many of the same traditions alive.
The Origins of Diwali
The origins of Diwali stretch back thousands of years to ancient India.
Over time, different regions and communities added their own customs and traditions to the celebration. However, the central message stayed the same: hope, light and goodness overcome darkness and negativity.
Diwali usually falls during October or November. The exact date changes every year because the festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar.
The five-day celebration includes prayers, family gatherings, decorations, food and cultural traditions that people continue to pass down through generations.
Why People Celebrate the Festival of Lights
Many people connect Diwali with new beginnings, positivity and prosperity.
For Hindus, the festival often celebrates the return of Lord Rama, Sita Devi and Lakshmana after exile. In addition, many families honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas during the same period, while Jains mark the spiritual liberation of Lord Mahavira.
Because of this, Diwali carries deep meaning for several communities around the world.
Family, Food and Festivities
Diwali gives families a chance to come together and celebrate.
Throughout the festival, people often visit relatives, exchange gifts and share meals together. Homes fill with colourful decorations, candles, diyas and festive lights.
Of course, food also plays a huge part in the celebrations.
Popular Diwali foods and treats often include:
- Samosas
- Pakoras
- Barfi
- Laddoos
- Jalebi
- Gulab jamun
As a result, kitchens and dining tables quickly become the centre of the celebration.
Colourful Decorations and Rangoli Art
One of the most beautiful parts of Diwali is the decoration.
Families often decorate homes with candles, fairy lights, flowers and diyas. In addition, many people create colourful Rangoli patterns outside their homes to welcome guests and bring positivity into the space.
Traditionally, people make Rangoli designs using coloured sand, powders, flower petals or rice flour.
At Ministry of Colours, our Rangoli art kits make it easy to create colourful designs at home, in schools or at community events.
Each kit includes vibrant colours in easy-to-use bottles. Therefore, beginners and experienced artists can both enjoy creating Rangoli patterns.
If you want to create more designs, we also offer Rangoli refill packs. In addition, our Rangoli Ylang Ylang scented marble dust adds a calming scented finish to your artwork.
Eco-Friendly Diwali Celebrations
Diwali often includes fireworks and large celebrations. However, many people now look for more environmentally friendly ways to celebrate.
As awareness around sustainability grows, families and communities increasingly choose alternatives that reduce smoke and pollution.
For example, many people now use candles, lights and colour fountains instead of traditional fireworks.
Colour fountains create colourful visual displays while helping reduce noise and air pollution. As a result, they offer a more eco-conscious way to celebrate special occasions.
Diwali Activities for Children
Children play a huge role during Diwali celebrations.
Schools, youth groups and communities often organise activities to help children learn about the festival while having fun.
Popular activities include:
- Lantern-making competitions
- Rangoli art sessions
- Cultural performances
- Dance workshops
- Storytelling
- Quiz competitions
- Diwali craft activities
These activities help children understand the meaning behind the celebration while encouraging creativity and cultural learning.
Diwali and Holi: What Is the Difference?
People sometimes compare Diwali to Holi because both festivals involve colour, celebration and togetherness.
However, the two festivals feel very different.
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, focuses on vibrant colour throwing, outdoor celebrations and energetic festivities. Meanwhile, Diwali creates a calmer and more reflective atmosphere centred around lights, family and positivity.
Both festivals encourage people to come together. However, Diwali often feels more peaceful and introspective.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Ministry of Colours
Even though Diwali has evolved over time, the heart of the celebration remains the same.
The festival continues to bring families, friends and communities together through light, colour, creativity and joy.
At Ministry of Colours, we love helping people celebrate through colourful products and creative activities. Whether you want to create Rangoli art, decorate your home or organise a community celebration, we have everything you need to get started.
Explore our range of:
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Ministry of Colours team. We would love to help you celebrate the Festival of Lights in a colourful and creative way.