Excited toddlers blew off steam while celebrating and learning about Diwali.

Youngsters from Yewkids nursery, based at Yewdale Community Centre in Carlisle took part in a special event to help them learn and understand different cultures.

The colourful day included dancing as well as a number of hands-on activities aimed at helping the children with their early development, as well as introducing them to new cultural experiences.

Parents were invited and turned up in droves to support their little ones with the fun - and to join in themselves.

Childcare manager Jude Coupland was thrilled at the turnout and said: “ We’re trying to bring the different cultures together and let the children see that we are similar in our traditions.

“I think it is crucial that they have an understanding that different cultures all take part in very similar events.

“It helps society become really inclusive, I think it is a really important message to hear from a really young age.”

Jude was also happy to see that it was not just the young ones getting involved on the day.

“It’s fantastic to see parents are joining in with the activities,” she added.

Leading the Diwali activities was Rashmi Manemi, a physiotherapist originally from Karnataka state in the south of India.

She said: “It is nice to see the parents and children learning about the different Indian cultures and seeing everyone get involved.

“We were surprised to see so many people attending, by doing this they will know what other cultures do - especially when it comes to Diwali.

“I have done similar things to this before, and the children who take part still remember months later.”

Happy to see his daughter taking part and enjoying the day was Sid-Lewis Bowman from Harraby.

He said: “It’s different. It’s not something I did at school.

“I think it’s great that my daughter can be involved in things like this.”

Happily playing with the glitter was Lexi-Jayne Bowman who was excitedly showing off her glitter-filled hands.

The group had the chance to also have their hands painted, a practice called Mehndi.