Hundreds of Muslims gathered in Westminster Lodge meadow to celebrate the Islamic festival, Eid.

Herts Advertiser: Eid in the Park, St AlbansEid in the Park, St Albans (Image: Archant)

St Albans mayor, Salih Gaygusuz, attended the event alongside Islamic scholars from across the country.

Shakir Rahman, founder and director of the Sopwell Community trust, which organised the event, said: “The festival really meant a lot to the Muslims in St Albans, fulfilling the tradition of the Prophet Mohammed.

“What attracts people towards the Sopwell Community Trust is that our events - a football tournament, a community dinner or the Eid festival - are organised for everyone, regardless of differences. We welcome people from diverse backgrounds.”

Shakir expressed special appreciation for St Albans council arts and leisure manager, Jo Ashkam, who “deserved a lot of credit.”

Herts Advertiser: Eid in the Park, St AlbansEid in the Park, St Albans (Image: Archant)

He added: “Our theme is inclusivity, reaching out to the wider community. Sopwell Community Trust have British-born and English-speaking Imams delivering sermons which makes it understandable for everyone.”

Almost 500 people are thought to have attended the event and Shakir said he and Spowell Community Trust are keen to organise the event in St Albans again.

Herts Advertiser: Eid in the Park, St AlbansEid in the Park, St Albans (Image: Archant)