In what should be a rather colourful addition to the city's festival scene, the Hare Krishna movement has announced it will hold an event in Norwich next week.

Eastern Daily Press: Members of the Hare Krishna movement at other events around the countryMembers of the Hare Krishna movement at other events around the country (Image: Archant)

The festival, to be held at the Octagon Chapel, will involve music, dance and free vegetarian food and will mark the group's 50th year in the western world.

It has been organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON), as the movement is officially known.

Nathan Hartley, of ISKCON Festivals, said: 'This year there is a real emphasis on celebrating the Hare Krishna tradition in the western world, with lots of singing, dancing, and a vegetarian feast.

'The whole philosophy is based around one of the central tenets that this body we have is only temporary, and who and what we really are are souls; which are continuous.

'It is about stepping back from life and saying we can have a new car and a nice house, but these things will only make us happy for a limited amount of time.'

He added: 'Our philosophy is very rich and attractive to many people. In a world that's becoming increasingly competitive, and has people believing they'll only be happy through material gain, we're showing a deeply positive alternative.

'The Krishna Consciousness message is for everyone. A universal, non-sectarian message of love, simple living, service and above all – connecting the self with the original spiritual source, Krishna.'

The movement last held a festival in Norwich in 2011. Norwich's Hare Krishna festival is free, and will be held at the Octagon Chapel, on Colegate, at 7pm on Thursday, May 5.

Visit www.harekrishnafestivals.com, follow @HKFestivalsUK on Twitter, or go to 'Hare Krishna Festivals UK' on Facebook for details.