THE Hare Krishnas brought a feast of music, dancing, food and colour to the county as they returned to their former Worcestershire home for one weekend only.

Hundreds of visitors flocked to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Hare Krishna Festival at historic Croome Park, near Upton, over the weekend.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness bought the listed mansion in 1979, reputedly with the financial backing of famous devotee George Harrison.

After stamping their own mark on the house, they chose to relocate to Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford, which was also bought for them by the Beatles guitarist.

But 28 years later the Hare Krishna community was back in force at the property, now owned by the National Trust, for a two-day festival celebrating their time there.

As well as films, question and answer sessions, seminars and music, guests had a chance to sample chanting and meditation and even have a go at llama trekking.

National Trust spokesman Cat Philpott said the second annual festival had been a fantastic success.

She said: “Everyone enjoyed it and it was once again a completely unique experience for all those who joined us.”

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness was founded in New York in 1966 by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Its core beliefs are based on traditional Hindu scriptures including the Bhagavad-gita.