Oxford Eid Extravaganza returns for Eid Al Adha

An outdoor prayer in the morning was followed by a free fun day on Cheney School's field to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid Al Adha.

Organisers revealed they had put the event together in just10 days as an additional community gathering to June's annual extravaganza, which marked the end of Ramadan.

Around 2,000 people came to Sunday's funday, which included everything from a climbing wall, Zorbing and fun fair rides, to community stalls, fresh food and music.

Children could also find out what it takes to be a firefighter with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service bringing a fire engine.

Youssef El Hachemi, from Summertown, enjoyed the extravaganza with family, including his six-year-old son Yacoub.

He said: "It's great to have things you can do as a whole family.

"I'd come in the morning for prayer and decided to bring the family in the afternoon to enjoy the activities."

Yacoub said his favourite parts of the day had been the climbing wall and a mobile cave, where youngsters could explore an artificial series of tunnels.

Ali Javed, who was there with his one-year-old son Amar, said June's event had been bigger but that may have been because some people were celebrating Eid on the Monday.

The 31-year-old added: "It's a good chance for the community to come together. Having something is better than nothing."

Nuhj Khalil was there with her children Jenna, aged seven, and Moustafa, four, who both sported colourful face paint.

The Kidlington mum said: "It's brilliant and the first time we've come.

"I was looking for something my kids could enjoy and this is great, especially them getting to play together with the other children."

Corina Bird, who was decorating faces throughout the day with her business Yellow Bird Face Painting, said there had been a 'fantastic atmosphere'.

Following the event organisers shared their thanks on social media, writing: "So the Oxford Eid Extravaganza Eid Al Adha event was organised at the last minute.

"It was planned simply because community said they wanted to celebrate on the day.

"This is the first time we’ve organised an event on Eid Al Adha but also on Eid day.

"We planned a smaller version and did so in 10 days but Alhamdulillah it was still better than we expected."

The added: "It was wonderful to see families, children and elders sitting and chilling together enjoying the celebration of Eid.

"It was a beautiful day with lots of beautiful people making memories to cherish for years to come."

See tomorrow's paper for more Eid celebrations held in Oxford.

Visit the Oxford Eid Extravaganza Facebook page to keep up to date with future events.