EID celebrations are continuing into the weekend with sunshine predicted after a rain-soaked start.

More than 1,500 people gathered in Blackburn’s Corporation Park for early morning prayers yesterday.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The Eid al-Adha festival, which always takes place during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca known as the Hajj, began with morning prayers at mosques across the area, as well as thegathering in the park.

Organisers were delighted with the unity on show, and have urged the community to turn out in force for the festival at the same park this weekend.

Ashfaq Ahmed, who has helped organise Eid in the Park, said: “It was very successful. We were happy with how it went.

“The weather wasn’t great but there was 1,500 to 2,000 people. We had two marquees which held about 1,000 people each and they were both pretty full.

“It was great to see such a large gathering but it wasn’t just people praying, there were community leaders there as well, watching what was going on and respecting the occasion. It’s great to see such unity.”

Between 11am and 6pm tomorrow and Sunday a festival celebrating Eid will take place in the park, although Mr Ahmed is encouraging all members of the community to join in the celebrations, with funfairs, stalls, donkey rides and food and drink available.

He said: “Hopefully, it will be a great occasion and it will be nice to see people from all of the community. It is open to all and it is a time for celebrations.”

Muslims celebrated Eid across East Lancashire yesterday and Cllr Wajid Khan, who represents Daneshouse with Stoneyholme in Burnley, said: “It was a hectic day for a lot of people but it was a good day as well. All the mosques had Eid prayers in the morning and after that it was getting together with friends and family.

“It was a real community day, everyone comes together to celebrate, which is great to see.

“It is also a time to reflect and remember everyone who is suffering around the world.”