Sounds from around the Islamic world rang out to the delight of the audience at an Oxford theatre over the weekend.

The Muslim Music Festival, organised by the Muslim Education Centre of Oxford (Meco) for the fourth year running, drew crowds of more than 200 to the Oxford Playhouse on Sunday.

Muslim musicians from Bangladesh to Somalia, and Uzbekistan to Morocco, took to the stage to showcase their talents, including the Ameer Khan Qawali Group, from Pakistan, Gambian musician Musa Mboob, and UK hip-hop group Mecca2Medina.

Members of the audience were also able to sample food from around the world at the festival.

The event is the only one of its kind in the country.

Organiser Dr Taj Hargey, chairman of Meco, said Oxford should feel privileged to be hosting the event.

He said: “It’s a festival of sacred and spiritual music from around the Muslim world. The show casts the best artistic talent from various parts of the Muslim world to increase the cultural links within Oxford.

“Also, we wish this annual festival to bring social cohesion and build bridges between different groups.

“We had everything from classical to contemporary music, to show Muslims can contribute to British society, and it’s a treat for lovers of world music.

“Some people have been very moved by the music.

“This year, one of the highlights has been the Muslim hip-hop band Mecca2Medina, they have been very popular.”

He said that plans were now under way to increase the number of people at next year’s festival by inviting younger artists along to appeal to more people.

Noora Othman, 26, of Headington, came to the festival with her friends. She said: “It’s good that all the different cultures have come together.

“Someone gave me a leaflet earlier this week so I called in to check it out. The hip-hop is really good.”

Father-of-two Saul Goode, came from his home in Didcot for the festival with his family.

He said: “I heard about it from the mosque I visit every week. It’s really good Oxford is able to offer something like this.”

Moroccan born blind singer, Hassan Erajji, 57, from Leeds, performed at the event.

He said: “This event is absolutely crucial for good relations between different groups in Oxford.

@My only regret is that there weren’t a few more people attending.”