Park's massive Eid prayers gathering cancelled

A huge outdoor communal gathering in Manchester to mark Eid-al-Fitr has been postponed due to the ground conditions being too soft.

Manchester City Council and Eid in the Park organisers said the very wet winter had left Platt Fields Park unable to accommodate the hundreds of vehicles that would have required access.

The traditional funfair will still take place in the park, however, between 12:00 and 18:00 GMT on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The council said it was committed with Eid in the Park "to work closely delivering Eid-al-Adha at the park in May".

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon and Eid in the Park organisers said they had "been planning for this eventuality, aware that Eid celebrations moving earlier in the season might mean that the park, following a wet winter, was not suitable for the infrastructure required to facilitate such a large event with hundreds of vehicles requiring access."

Their joint statement added: "Using the sports complex as an alternative location was also considered. However, the limited parking availability in the surrounding area, combined with the large number of people and vehicles expected to attend, meant it would not have been practical.

"To avoid disruption and to support the local community, the decision was taken not to go ahead."

People are advised to instead attend their local mosque for Eid prayers.

Eid means festival in Arabic.

Eid al-Fitr, which lasts three days, marks the end of Ramadan.

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