To mark the end of Ramadan, the Oxford Bangladeshi Association is organising its first Eid cele- brations.

Taking place at the Regal Community Centre in Ridgefield Road, East Oxford, on October 12, the day has been designed as a "cultural celebration" — not just for Muslims, but for the whole community.

Oxford Bangladeshi Association chairman Mohammed Mannan said he was looking forward to the "special" day, which celebrates the end of 40 days of fasting.

He said: "After one month of fasting it is a great occasion and this will get everyone together to celebrate.

"And we are inviting everyone to our Eid party, we want to bring the whole community together to share in our enjoyment.

"Oxford is a multi-cultural place and we live in a very multi-cultural community, we want all people to come so we can learn from each other and exchange our feelings."

In the month of Ramadan, participating Muslims are not permitted to eat or drink from dawn until sunset.

Ramadan officially ends today Monday, September 29, but Mr Mannan said the event was being held later to ensure a good turnout.

He said: "The day when Ramadan ends starts with us going to the mosque to pray and we have some special sweets, then go and meet with family and friends.

"It's a great occasion — for Muslims it is like Christmas Day — but a lot of people are very busy, so by holding it after we will have more people there."

The Oxford Bangladeshi Association was set up in August 2002 to meet the demands of the city's Bangladeshi community and now has charitable status.

Mr Mannan said the event had only been made possible thanks to a generous donation by Oxford law firm Darbys Solicitors.

Darbys spokesman Shamin Kashem said: "We look forward to being part of the Eid celebrations on October 12."