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'We're doing the first Eid event of its kind'

Lynette HorsburghNorth West
News imageRang & Rhythm Events handout Close-up of a smiling Uzma Khan. She has long black hair and is wearing a white top.Rang & Rhythm Events handout
Uzma Khan hopes the festival in March will be a celebration for everyone

Two friends organising what they say is the biggest ever festival to celebrate Eid in their Lancashire town want the event to "bring all communities together".

Uzma Khan and Adeel Hashmi, who have set up Rang & Rhythm Events Ltd, are putting on a family-friendly festival on 21 March at Bispham Community Centre in Blackpool.

Khan said the event would be a "cultural celebration, not a religious one" where the whole community can enjoy music, dance and fun activities together and "make unforgettable memories".

They were inspired to organise the Bispham event when remembering having to travel as far away as Manchester for family Eid events in previous years.

'Positive and relaxed'

Khan said the ticketed event will be the first time an Eid family festival of this scale has taken place in Blackpool.

The 38-year-old, originally from India, moved to Blackpool in 2011.

She said: "I've seen that people often want to understand each other better but rarely have shared spaces to do so in a positive and relaxed way.

"The festival was created to provide exactly that kind of space.

"While it is inspired by Eid, the intention is not religious practice, but cultural connection."

She added: "It's about opening a celebration that is usually private to one community and inviting others to experience it through food, music, performances and family activities."

News imageRang & Rhythm Events handout Adeel Hashmi, who has a black beard and is wearing a white top, black gilet and black baseball cap. Rang & Rhythm Events handout
Uzma Khan and Adeel Hashmi (pictured) hope the festival will be the first of many cultural events they organise

One of the planned highlights of the festival is a children's runway walk.

"It's not a competition and purely for confidence building and cultural expression," said Khan. There is no judging, no pressure - just encouragement, smiles and celebration."

The Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr, which translates as "the festival of the breaking of the fast", lasts for one day and is expected to take place on either 19 or 20 March 2026, depending on when the moon is sighted.

The Eid Family Festival takes place between 16:00-20:00 GMT on 21 March 2026 at Bispham Community Centre, Bispham Road, Bispham, Blackpool

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