30-03-2025
Eid in the Park 2025: Thousands turn out as Muslim community sees out Ramadan in 'successful' Eid celebrations
Thousands from the Manchester Muslim community gathered to celebrate the end of Ramadan. One of the biggest Eid celebrations in the country, Eid in the Park took place at Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield on Sunday morning (March 30).
According to organisers, around 20,000 people attended this year's event which involved a huge prayer, food stalls and a fun fair on site. Also known as the 'festival of breaking the fast' Eid-al-Fitr is the festival held once Ramadan is complete.
It is commemorated with prayer, gift giving and sharing huge feasts with family and friends. Eid arrives after 30 days which has seen practising Muslims abstain from eating or drinking from sunset to sundown.
The date of Eid is determined by the sighting of the crescent of a new moon and attendees to Eid in the Park had to wait until late afternoon on Saturday to find out when the major event will be taking place.
After officials in Saudi Arabia confirmed that the first day of Eid would be on Sunday, organisers confirmed plans for the celebrations to go ahead in Manchester. Thousands of families and friends turned up to Platt Fields Park, dressed in their best clothes and many carrying their own prayer mats to be laid out on the grass for the prayer.
One of those was Rehma Shabani, this was the mum-of-three's first time at Eid in Park, she told the M.E.N: "We usually pray at home but this is the first time here.
"It was beautiful and had a lovely atmosphere. I wish I was able to come more often."
Another attendee, who preferred to remain anonymous told the M.E.N: "It's wonderful to always come out here and share this moment with other fellow Muslims. It's a great event and one we always looked forward to every Ramadan."
Speaking about what Ramadan was like this year, another worshipper said: "Ramadan wasn't hard like other years because the times to break fast were a bit more normal. But it was still a beautiful time to fast with friends, family and all the Muslim community."
There was only one prayer scheduled for 9am and planners and volunteers were desperate to make sure proceedings went ahead on time. The Holy Trinity Platt Church nearby would also be conducting a Sunday service and the timings agreed to avoid any clashes between the two events.
Once the prayer concluded, a majority of worshippers stuck around the park to enjoy the rest of the day as the grey skies subsided and the sun came out.
READ MORE: In pictures: Thousands turn out for Manchester Eid celebrations
Speaking to the M.E.N, co-organiser and local councillor, Rabnawaz Akbar said: ' Another successful Eid in the Park, with early estimates putting the numbers at around 20,000.
"Once again, we saw Muslims from all ethnicities coming together from across the city as families, friends, neighbours or colleagues to pray Eid outdoors in Platt Fields Park, a tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
"The weather has allowed families and friends to enjoy food together in the park before the fun fair opens at 11am for the first of three days.
"I would like to thank the organisers, Manchester City Council staff and the amazing number of young volunteers who make the event not only successful but an enjoyable experience for all attending.'
