Old Trafford welcomes thousands to celebrate Eid

Thousands will gather at the Old Trafford Stadium this weekend for the annual Manchester Eid Festival run by the charity Islamic Relief UK.

The event, which marks the Muslim celebration that follows Ramadan, will feature more than 35 rides, a petting zoo, food stalls, arts and crafts. The singer Mikhaael Mala will also perform on Saturday.

Last year the festival drew 16,000 Muslims and non-Muslims to Manchester United’s world-renowned football stadium.

This year, money raised at the Manchester Eid Festival will go to Islamic Relief’s Water for Life appeal, working with communities in over 40 countries to ensure that families have access to safe water for drinking, washing, cooking, farming and agriculture. This will come from entrance fees, and a portion of income at the funfair rides and food court. The Festival is entirely run by Islamic Relief UK volunteers.

Ateeq Salik, Islamic Relief’s Regional Fundraising Manager in the North of England, said: ‘Eid-al-Fitr is one of the most important events in the Muslim calendar, and we are inviting people of all faiths and none to mark it with us at the Manchester Eid Festival. Manchester is a rich, vibrant and diverse city, and we want to reflect that this weekend, welcoming people of all backgrounds to come and experience the wonders of Eid while raising vital funds for charity.

‘It’s very fitting to hold this event at Old Trafford. Football unites communities, and we want to do the same for the people of Manchester this weekend.’

This year Islamic Relief UK has selected the Christie Hospital, one of the largest cancer treatment centres of its type in Europe, as its local charity. Christie’s will have a tent at the event.

Nichola Doran, Community Development Manager at The Christie charity, said: “We are delighted that the Muslim community of Manchester has decided to support The Christie charity to celebrate Eid and we are extremely grateful to Islamic Relief UK.

“The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust through its fundraising activities, and delivers projects, equipment and improvements that are over and above what the NHS funds.

“To be chosen as the local charity this year by Islamic Relief UK is fantastic and we are always thankful to our local communities who support us. We are very much looking forward to the Manchester Eid Festival.”

The Festival will take place on June 15 and 16 from 11am to 8pm in Car Park N3, Old Trafford Stadium, Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester M17 1EJ. There will be free parking on site in Car Park N4. Entry:  Adults £2, Children £1

The event will have:

• Opportunities to tour the Manchester United Museum and Stadium, at discounted prices*
• Over 30+ fun fair rides including bumper cars, a fun house and more
• Stalls ranging from food, clothes, accessories, arts and crafts.
• Performance from singer-songwriter Mikhaael Mala on the Saturday
• Live screening of Pakistan v India cricket match on the Sunday

* Manchester United have teamed up with Islamic Relief to provide exclusive discounted Museum and Stadium Tours and Stadium short tours (‘look ins’) This is only for attendees who submit their requests by the deadline prior to the event.

Note to Editors

1. The Facebook and Instagram social media pages for the event are @ManchesterEidFest
2. The website is: manchestereidfest.com
3. Info email is: [email protected]
4. Islamic Relief is an independent humanitarian and development organisation, which has been transforming and saving lives across the globe since 1984. We are one of the world’s largest faith-inspired charities, with more than 100 offices delivering programmes to benefit vulnerable people in over 40 countries worldwide. As well as responding to global disasters and emergencies, we also carry out long-term development work with people and communities, regardless of their race, religion or gender.
5. Set up in Birmingham in 1984 by a group of volunteers, we have assisted over 117 million people all over the world. We’re saving lives and empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty in over 40 countries – from Bangladesh to Bosnia, Pakistan to Palestine, Kenya to Kosovo.  Islamic Relief is on the ground in some of the world’s most dangerous and difficult places – including Syria and Yemen – strengthening the most marginalised communities to withstand conflict and natural disasters and to build a brighter future. We also support vulnerable people in the UK in partnership with local charities and organisations.