Eid celebrations 'majestic and full of laughter'

Eid celebrations in Wolverhampton have been described as "majestic" as 5,000 descended on a city park for prayers and speeches.

The Muslim community gathered in West Park earlier to celebrate Eid al-Adha, known as the "feast of sacrifice".

People also attended Jamia Masjid Al-Aqsa, the city's central mosque.

Wolverhampton councillor Sohail Khan said it was an "amazing turnout with a great atmosphere and a brilliant day".

"The day has been full of families and laughter, it's been majestic," said Mr Khan. "It's about family, community, praying and meeting people."

Eid al-Adha lasts four days and coincides with the later part of the Hajj - the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

It commemorates prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son on God's orders.

• What is Eid al-Adha?

Mr Khan said Eid gave people the chance to reconnect with people when life becomes busy.

"We had people from different cultures together, we had the deputy mayor Paul Singh turn up, and the energy minister from Malawi who was visiting the area," he added.

In Birmingham, the Faizan E Diyar E Madina mosque in Sparkhill hosted a dinner for people celebrating Eid away from home.

"Eid is a time of joy, connection, and togetherness but for many students and professionals living away from their families, it can also feel a little quiet," organisers said.

"That's why we're coming together to create a space where no-one has to celebrate Eid alone."

Some Eid celebrations, including an event at Handsworth Park hosted by the Eden Foundation, have been cancelled on Saturday due to the wet weather forecast.

"We understand this is disappointing, but the safety and comfort of everyone comes first," the charity said. "May Allah accept all our efforts and grant us a joyful and blessed Eid wherever we are."

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