WITH EID HAVING been celebrated last week and the summer weather beckoning everyone outdoors, it’s fortunate that at least two major cities will be holding outdoor Eid Festivals this weekend.
The Eid Festival at Old Trafford in Manchester is also marking the “Great Get Together” event, held in memory of Jo Cox MP. The Festival is the fourth to be organised by Islamic Relief UK, which hopes that some 13,000 people – of all faiths and none – will visit the two day event.
Ateeq Salik, Regional Community Fundraising Manager for the North at Islamic Relief UK, said, “This city was devastated by the terror attack last year, but as a community we showed that we will not allow hate to win. We want everyone to come together and enjoy a fun family day out, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity or which football team they support! We hope that Muslims and non-Muslims alike will take this opportunity to get to know each other and have a great day out.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said, “This Festival is a tremendous opportunity for the people of Manchester to meet up and demonstrate how, in Jo Cox’s words, as a nation ‘we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than the things that divide us’.”
Jo Cox’s sister, Kim Leadbeater, said, “Jo loved a celebration and she would be thrilled that Manchester is once again coming together to show our country at its best, as it did following last year’s horrendous terror attack at Manchester Arena.”
During the Eid Festival, Islamic Relief UK will be taking collections to help families and communities in Yemen, as the conflict there escalates.
•The Manchester Eid Festival is at Car Park W3, 2 John Gilbert Way, Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester M17 1EJ. It runs from 11am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, 23rd and 24th June. There will be a large multinational food court and BBQ, over 30 funfair rides and attractions, and 40 stalls selling arts and crafts. Visitors will also be able to enjoy discounted tours of Old Trafford football stadium and enjoy live performances from local musicians and entertainers. Entry costs £2 for adults and £1 for children.
Meanwhile, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan will be holding a festival from 12 noon to 6pm on Saturday, 23rd June in Trafalgar Square. The event is free and no tickets are required. There will be an exciting stage line up, family fun and compelling smells of delicious food. Those who are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mayor Khan can ask him why he decided to knock down heritage buildings on Fish Island in Bow, contrary to requests from Tower Hamlets Council to respect our local history.
•For more information about the London event, go to: https://www.london.gov.uk/events/2018-06-23/eid-festival-2018
•Read more about it: Islamic Relief moves relief up a gear in Yemen Fish Island bridges: Biggs anti, Sadiq unmoved