Fun to be had at ‘Eid At The Park’ in Burgess Park, Walworth

BY REGINA MOTALIB toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A free, two-day open air prayer meeting, modest fashion, an international halal food village, a pop-up mocktail bar and a singing and poetry contest will make up South London’s biggest Eid celebration on August 21-22.

Eid At The Park in Burgess Park, Walworth will celebrate one of the most important dates in the Muslim calendar.

Organisers Culture In Communities hope their ‘everyone’s invited’ policy will draw in crowds from all over the capital. Its themes are diversity and empowerment of women and will feature information stalls and clinics from community groups and charities.

Saleem Cazenove, one of the volunteers running the festival, said: “Having worked on Eid events for a number of years in Southwark, I am looking forward to working on Eid At The Park and helping to deliver the best experience for the thousands of visitors.

“We have worked hard as a team and developed this into a true community cohesion event, firmly placing it in the heart of the divested Southwark community.”

PC Stu Wythe, head of community, faith & hate crime engagement at Southwark police, said: “We are delighted to be part of Eid At The Park celebrating Eid ul Adha in Burgess Park promoting diversity and the coming together of communities, inspiring all who attend to strive for more in their own lives.”

Kim Golson, cubs Scout leader and Scout Association co-ordinator for the Eid At The Park project, said: “The Eid At The Park themes of empowerment and diversity perfectly embody our ethos.

We are delighted to be part of what promises to be a fantastic celebration of Eid and one which hopes to bring together all sections of the community.”

Day two of the festival will celebrate women empowerment and host talks by Muslim women.

There will also be an exhibition designed by children celebrating successful Muslim women who have made huge contributions to society such as acclaimed Architect, Zaha Hadid. Laila Haque, eight, was delighted to play a part in designing the exhibition.

She said: “I love Zaha Hadid and her amazing designs. I hope I can also design buildings like Zaha did when I grow up.”

Volunteer Fatheya Abdullahi Gelleh said: “I grew up in this diverse and beautiful borough and as a Muslim woman. “Eid is such a wonderful celebration and this event hopes to bring together people from all backgrounds and faiths to unite and celebrate the true meaning of Eid.”

Irvin Leisure’s fun fair rides are a regular fixture at leading festivals and events in Southwark and other London boroughs and beyond.

George Irvin, of Irvin Leisure, said: “We are delighted to be part of this event and look forward to the fun-packed and innovative itinerary which will certainly make these Eid ul Adha celebrations a joyful experience for visitors.”

There will be a wide variety of merchandise stalls selling Eid gifts and other related items. In the true spirit of Eid, Culture In Communities will be giving away a hamper of Eid goodies to a few lucky winners.

If you want more information or wish to sponsor, volunteer or run a stall at the event get in touch at www.eidatthepark.co.uk