Hundreds of Ipswich Muslims hold Eid prayers in park

Prayers were held in front of Christchurch Mansion

Prayers celebrating Eid-al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, have been held in front of a Tudor mansion.

About 500 people took part in Eid in the Park in Christchurch Park, outside Christchurch Mansion, in Ipswich.

"We gather here to reflect on the importance of unity, including people of all backgrounds and faiths," said Shaykh Masum Shaheed, of the Eid In The Park Ipswich Select Committee.

"This diversity enriches us and makes us stronger."

According to the 2021 census, 3.9% of the population living in Ipswich are Muslims, which is approximately 5,500 people.

The town has four mosques or prayer rooms; Shahjalal Islamic Centre on Argyle Street, Ipswich Mosque on Bond Street, a Kurdish community centre in the former Mulberry Tree pub on Woodbridge Road and Masjid Taqwa on Westgate Street.

Mr Shaheed said: "Imagine the Ummah [the Arabic word for nation] is like a beautiful painting with various colours, representing diverse cultures, languages and traditions.

"Let us explore unity in diversity."

Masum Shaheed led the prayers and said everyone in Suffolk "contributed to the richness of our shared lives"

The event was opened by Lynne Mortimer, the mayor of Ipswich, and small crowds gathered on the edge of the mansion's lawn to observe the prayers and show support.

Dates and sweets were then handed out and collection buckets passed round.

Eid in the Park has been held in other towns and cities before, but this was the first time for Ipswich.

Shabir Mughal, who organised the prayers, said: "Last night we were thinking if we get 10 people we would be more than happy, but this makes me feel very happy that we have achieved what we wanted to achieve.

"It is not just for the Muslim community. We live in Ipswich, we have families and businesses; it's trying to demonstrate we are part of the community and we want to support and develop Ipswich in whichever way we can."

Brothers Lutfur and Saidur Rahman attended the event together

Lutfur Rahman and his brother Saidur Rahman have been living in Ipswich for three months, after moving from Dubai.

They work for the Bangladeshi TV channel Ekattor and said the Eid the Park event would interest Muslim viewers around the world.