What can I expect at Luton's two Eid festivals?
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend two community Eid al-Adha festival and prayer events in Luton. The special celebrations for Muslims will take place at Stockwood Park on Friday and Saturday and Wardown Park from Friday to Sunday. Due to the growth in their popularity, Luton Borough Council said it was putting traffic control measures in place. Here is a guide to the colourful, family-friendly events.
What are the timings?
There are two events: the Inspire Eid event at Stockwood Park takes place from 13:00-21:00 BST on Friday and Saturday. The 1Eid event at Wardown Park will start with Eid prayers for men and women at the cricket pitch at 10:00 on Friday.Events will then continue on Friday from 12:00-21:30 with fireworks on Popes Meadow. On Saturday and Sunday events start at 13:00 and continues until 21:30.
Which roads are impacted?
Javed Hussain, a Labour councillor and the deputy leader of Luton Borough Council, said: "Whilst it's great that communities are coming together to celebrate on such a special occasion, the increasing popularity of these events are putting increasing strain on local infrastructure and the road network."We understand the frustrations of residents which is why we are stepping in to put in place measures to mitigate disruptions and ensure safety for those living near to the events and those attending. "For those not attending we strongly advise they avoid the areas of the two festivals during the weekend."For Stockwood Park there will be no waiting or loading restrictions in place during parts of the day and evenings for Friday and Saturday and signed diversions will be in place. The roads impacted are: Farley Hill RoadLondon RoadCutenhoe RoadWhipperley WayNewlands RoadThere will also be a closure in place on Whitehill Avenue, except for residents. For Wardown Park, the same applies, from Friday to Sunday with restrictions on the follow roads: Old Bedford RoadNew Bedford RoadSections of connecting roads - Cromwell Hill, Stockingstone Road and Montrose Avenue
What can you expect at the event?
Inspire FM, which is behind the Stockwood Park event, said there will be a free outdoor cinema running throughout the day inside the Discovery Centre, offering family friendly films. As tens of thousands attended last year's event, it was expecting the same number this year. There will also be rides, foods from around the world, a "bustling bazaar, and fun games and activities for the whole family". The organisation has partnered with Luton Foodbank, to provide free ride tokens to families who need them, it added. For the event at Wardown Park there will be funfair rides, an urban beach, donkey rides, circus performers with fire juggles, a bazaar and fireworks.
Where should you park?
At the Stockwood Park event parking is free at the top of the park near Farley Farm Road. The usual entrance to Stockwood Park will be exit only, and there will be no access via London Road, organisers said. At Wardown Park, pre-booked payable VIP parking is available at Popes Meadow. Organisers said there was "absolutely no parking on roads or pavements". The council said anyone attending "should consider using public transport or car share". "Event-goers must park considerately and safely, or they will receive a fine or have their car removed," it added.
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