HUNDREDS are expected to attend the Birmingham Eid Mela this weekend.
The annual event which has proved to be one of the cities most popular events over the years, will take place at Cannon Hill Park.
Organisers were forced to rearrange the event to this weekend after persistent rain called into question health and safety issues when it was due to be staged on July 29.
The free event, organised jointly by Birmingham City Council and the Muslim community will start at 12 noon.
This year the stage programme will be featuring some of the greatest British Asian and International artists.
For the first time this year, Islamic nasheed artists, Shaam, will be appearing alongside mainstream musicians including RDB, B21 and Pakistani singer Naseebo Lal.
The national Mela cup will also be a first at Birmingham Eid, supported by the FA and football academies throughout the UK, it will feature a tournament for budding footballers.
Councillor Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture said:
“Birmingham City Council is proud to be supporting this unique event. It is a welcome part of the year long events programme celebrating all the communities in Birmingham”
Councillor Tariq Khan, Chair of the Birmingham Eid Mela steering committee said:
“The Eid Mela in Cannon Hill Park organised by Birmingham’s Muslim communities, is a joyful celebration of South Asian culture. We invite all of Birmingham to join in with the celebrations and soak up the atmosphere at this family friendly festival.”
Parking will be free of charge at Holders Lane, Nature Centre car park, Queens Ride and the whole of Calthorpe Park will be available to park in. Both car parking areas will be signposted.
Organisers are warning those travelling by car to leave early as roads surrounding the park will be closed for the duration of the event.
