5,000 enjoy Eid festival celebrations

Youngsters enjoy the rides at the Eid in the Community funfair

MORE than 5,000 people enjoyed the Eid in the Community celebrations based at and organised by the Oldham Muslim Centre (OMC), in Neville Street.

The two-day event proved a massive success and raised over £10,000 which will go towards clearing OMC’s £1.2m debt.

Revellers enjoyed a funfair, a bazaar, face-painting and a food market.

And five bikes were won by participants entering the the “Win a Bike every hour’” competition, where people had to unlock a four digit combination lock against the clock.

After the huge response from the community, the organisers are planning to make it an annual event and have promised it will be bigger and better next year.

The main sponsors of the event were Islamic Relief, Tesco Extra in Huddersfield Road and Al-Amin Financial Services Ltd. A special acknowledgement was given to the event supporters, in particular Islamic Forum of Europe and Young Muslim Organisation, which provided over 100 volunteers over both days.

Afruz Miah, chairman of the OMC executive committee, thanked all the visitors, the organisers and sponsors who supported the event.

Councillor Mohib Uddin, Oldham Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “An event like this is long overdue in our community.

“I am happy to see so many people come out and support this event.

“My appreciation goes to the Oldham Muslim Centre for leading by example and putting on this wonderful event.”

Mayor of Oldham councillor Jim McArdle said: “I have been to many events recently to celebrate Christmas, but nothing like this to celebrate Eid.”