CROWDS packed Ellesmere Port Civic Hall on Sunday, November 13, for a festival of food, art and family fun to celebrate Eid.
Visitors to the event, supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) browsed food and information stalls and enjoyed children’s activities and exhibitions.
Guests were also able to buy Islamic art and clothes, have henna applied and even sample reflexology, aromatherapy and shiatsu treatments.
CWaC chair Cllr Eleanor Johnson was on hand to present certificates to winners of a ‘Design an Eid card’ competition for schools, with entries on display at the event.
Proceeds from the festival will go to the Countess of Chester Hospital Children’s Ward.
CWaC’s equality and diversity champion Cllr Razia Daniels, said: “I’m so pleased that events like Ellesmere Port’s Eid celebration are going from strength to strength, thanks to hard work and commitment of the groups behind them.
“The council is delighted to be able to support this event as part of its commitment to supporting and celebrating the diversity of its local community.”
Grange councillor Tony Sherlock added: “This year’s event was even bigger and better than last year’s.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people come along to such a large scale event here in the heart of Ellesmere Port.”
Eid ul Adha, celebrated by Muslims, is known as the Festival of Sacrifice. It marks the end of Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, and commemorates Prophet Abraham’s faith when asked to sacrifice his son Ishmael.
This year’s event was organised by the Eid Team, consisting of West Cheshire Multi Cultural Women’s Group, Cheshire Asian and Minority Community Council, Ellesmere Port West Cheshire Multicultural Association, Ellesmere Port Turkish Association and Healthy Living Centre Ellesmere Port.
An Eid Team representative said: “We were very pleased with the success of this year’s event. It’s been a pleasure working together for the third time and we’re already looking forward to next year.”
