As the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr approaches, expected to be celebrated on March 20 or 21, 2026, depending on moon sighting, the community in Manchester has been preparing for the traditional Eid prayers. However, just before the key event, a significant announcement was made regarding the outdoor Eid prayer at Platt Fields Park.
On a recent date, the organisers confirmed that the Eid prayer event at Platt Fields Park has been cancelled due to safety and operational requirements. This decision was made after careful consideration of concerns regarding parking and the soft ground conditions, which could pose challenges for attendees. Rabnawaz Akbar noted, “This year the grass is quite soft. There wasn’t really enough hard standing space for cars.”
The cancellation is particularly impactful, as the Platt Fields Park event typically attracts more than 20,000 attendees, all coming together to celebrate the end of Ramadan. In light of this, the organisers have urged worshippers to attend their local mosques instead, where many will be holding multiple prayer sessions on Eid morning to accommodate the community.
For instance, the East London Mosque plans to host several morning prayer sessions between 8am and 11am, allowing families to participate in the celebrations in a safe and comfortable environment. The organisers stated, “We encourage everyone to attend their local mosques or neighbourhood prayer arrangements, many of which will organise multiple sessions on Eid morning to welcome worshippers safely and comfortably.”
This year marks the tenth time that Eid in the Park was set to return to Manchester, and it has been a cherished event for the past 18 years, aiming to bring joy and unity during Eid. Despite the setback, the spirit of the occasion remains strong, with many families planning to inform schools about taking their children out for prayers and events.
As Ramadan is likely to begin on February 19, 2026, lasting for 29 or 30 days, the community is encouraged to prepare for the upcoming celebrations. Most major city mosques plan their main Eid prayers to start between 9am and 10am, ensuring that worshippers can gather and celebrate together.
While the cancellation of the Platt Fields Park event is disappointing, the resilience of the community shines through as they adapt to the circumstances. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact date of Eid al-Fitr, which depends on moon sighting confirmation, but the commitment to uphold traditions remains steadfast. As one of the 1Eid organisers expressed, “Come rain or shine the sunnah must be upheld!”
