Crowds gather for Iftar and Holi celebrations

Dozens of people gathered in Leicester for what is thought to be the first-ever mass Iftar to be held in Leicester city centre.

The event was held in Church Gate just after 18:00 GMT on Thursday.

Iftar is the name of the meal eaten after sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset.

Meanwhile, crowds also gathered in Spinney Hill Park to celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colour.

Mahomed Jussab, who organised the Iftar, said he hoped the event would bring people together.

He added: "Somebody meets somebody else that they didn't know and goes away hopefully being friends."

The 45-year-old said he did not have to pay for the food or services, most of which had been donated.

"It's just the spirit of Ramadan that's coming through," he added.

Pooja Pancholi said charity City Retreat's building in Church Gate was a base of operations for the street Iftar.

She said the event would not have happened if it was not for 30 volunteers "working tirelessly" to pack food bags.

"Hopefully what it will do is open up people's eyes to the amazing work that we do here as well," the 38-year-old added.

A pop-up Ramadan festival is also planned for the Highcross shopping centre this weekend to "break down barriers" among communities.

Meanwhile, the Holi festival, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil, took place at Spinney Hill Park.

It is traditionally marked with a bonfire and the throwing of coloured powder paint.

This year's event marked the 50th anniversary of the festival being publicly marked in Leicester.

Mina Patel, whose mother Sarbaden Kanabar organised the celebration, said: "When you are at one of these events, wherever it is, it is wonderful to see the harmony and joy on people's faces.

"It's such a achievement, it meant a lot to her for people to get together - I am so proud."

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