Peterborough to host first 'Eid in the Square' celebrations
Peterborough will host the first ‘Eid in the Square’ celebrations this weekend/
The celebration will take place in Cathedral Square on Saturday (May 30), with a vibrant afternoon of live entertainment, halal street food, children's activities and cultural workshops planned.
The event has been organised by the team behind the ‘Eid in the Park’ celebrations, that take place twice a year in Central Park.
Organisers said ‘Where Eid in the Park is a prayer event, Eid in the Square is designed as an inclusive cultural festival, opening up the warmth and hospitality of Eid to residents of every faith and background, and to those of none.’
Nafis Lodhi, co-organiser of the Eid in the Square, said: "Eid in the Park has been bringing our community together for over a decade, and we wanted to take that spirit right into the heart of our city.
"Eid in the Square is for everyone in Peterborough. Whether you are Muslim or not, whether you have celebrated Eid before or are simply curious, we would love for you to come along, share some food, enjoy the entertainment and celebrate everything that makes our city so wonderfully diverse.
"We are proud to be doing this in partnership with Peterborough City Council, and we cannot wait to welcome the whole city to Cathedral Square."
Visitors can expect live nasheed performances on the main stage, a children's zone with face painting and crafts, henna artistry, Arabic calligraphy workshops, a community art wall, and a colourful market of stalls selling gifts, crafts and clothing. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice!
The free event is expected to attract between 1,00 and 2,000 visitors across the afternoon. There will be no alcohol on site, and the programme has been designed to be welcoming and family-friendly throughout.