Cricket Stadium In Birmingham, England, Holds Eid Prayers And Celebrations For 2,000 Congregants

Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, England (Source: Twitter/Green Lane Mosque & Community Centre)

JAKARTA - For the first time, the Edgbaston Cricket Stadium in Birmingham, England, will hold Eid prayers and celebrations after the end of Ramadan this year.

Eid celebrations will be held for 2,000 people who register online in advance. It is held on May 1 or 2, depending on the appearance of the new crescent moon.

Not only that, the organizers of the Green Lane Mosque and Community Center will also hold other Eid celebrations. It is located in Small Heath Park and will welcome about 20,000 worshippers.

In partnership with the Warwickshire County Cricket Club, the event in Edgbaston will be the second time a cricket ground has hosted Muslims there.

Last July, Edgbaston welcomed 500 people for Eid.

Later, the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr 1443 Hijri this time will include bazaar stands, food, and cricket training for children.

"We have worked with the Edgbaston team on several projects and have been impressed by their professionalism and genuine commitment to supporting local communities", said Kamran Hussain, chief executive of Green Lane Mosque, a prominent British mosque in Birmingham, quoted from The National News on April 27.

Eid prayer 2021 at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, England. (Source: Twitter/Green Lane Masjid & Community Center)

Meanwhile, Chief Edgbaston said he was 'delighted' by the partnership, saying he wanted the famous place to become a 'local community center'.

"We are committed to working with Kamran and his team to see how we can continue to grow this event each year and ensure Edgbaston truly reflects the community we serve", said chief executive Stuart Cain.

Meanwhile, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Eid al-Fitr at Small Heath Park will be held again, but with a much smaller congregation than the 60,000 congregation, the usual number in pre-pandemic times.

Although public health measures have reduced visitor numbers, family activities, including a night market, will be available after prayers.

“Eid is a joyous occasion, where Muslims come together to celebrate, spend time with family, and worship as a community. It's a relief that such an important celebration is back to normal after so long", said Saleem Ahmed, project manager for Eid at Small Heath Park.