A massive Eid al-Fitr celebration will be returning to Greater Manchester this week to mark the end of Ramadan. Known as Eid in the Park, the festival is one of the biggest celebrations of Eid al-Fitr in the north of England and will see thousands of people head to Manchester’s Platt Fields Park.
As Eid is dictated by the circle of the moon, the event is celebrated on a different date each year and the start is determined by the sighting of the new moon after Ramadan begins. This year, it was agreed by Islamic scholars that Ramadan officially began on the evening of Sunday, March 10, and Eid al-Fitr has now been confirmed to start on Wednesday (April 10).
Eid al-Fitr is regarded as a very special occasion in the Islamic calendar and is marked by a very specific type of prayer – called salah – held on the first day. Other celebrations include family gatherings and the exchange of gifts.
To mark the celebration, the Alfurqan Mosque and Islamic Centre, based in Rusholme, and Makki Masjid, based in Levenshulme, have organised Eid in the Park, which will feature salah prayers, food stalls, local traders and family-friendly attractions including a funfair. The two-day event at the Manchester park, which has been attended by more than 20,000 since it began back in 2017, is also free to attend.
Posting on social media, the festival organisers said: “Eid In The Park is back and bigger than ever! Major mosques in Manchester have come together again to host Eid in Platt Fields Park Manchester. Join us as we come together once more to celebrate a joyous Eid! Entry is free for everyone.”
Where and when will Eid in the Park take place?
Eid in the Park will take place at Platt Fields Park on Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield, M14 6LA. The event will take place over two days from Wednesday (April 10), based on the moon sighting. The free event will begin from 9.30am with salah prayers delivered by Sheikh Mohammed Ali on the first day. The funfair (wristbands available to purchase at event) and stalls will be open for two days.
How to get to the event
Platt Field Park is just a 15-minute drive away from Manchester city centre however car parking spaces will be limited, so it is advised to travel by public transport where possible. The nearest tram stop is West Didsbury, which is a 17-minute walk to Platt Fields Park.
The 41, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 43, 142, 143, 147 bus services will all stop on Wilmslow Road, which is just a short walk away from the park. The 150, 743, 763 will stop on Wilbraham Road, also a short walk from the park, whilst the 111 and 781 will stop on Yew Tree Road. Check the Bee Network website for timings and directions.
Find out more details about Eid in the Park here.