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Eid festival - Dunstable
In 2008 Aspire was approached by Bedfordshire Countryside Access to assist them in organising an outdoor event directed at the Muslim community. What transpired was the Eid Festival 2008 at the Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire. An innovative and highly successful event; it attracted families with a varied programme of activities against a glorious backdrop.
The aim of the event was to encourage people and particularly those from the Muslim community to visit and explore the Dunstable Downs as well as celebrating Eid in an unusual way. Eid is a festival celebrated by Muslims after the end of the month of fasting. Traditionally, Muslim families have been hesitant in using outside spaces for a variety of reasons and this event aimed to encourage countryside access, as well as providing a fun-filled day for all the family.
Aspire worked in partnership with the Countryside Access team based at Bedfordshire County Council and the National Trust to develop this innovate idea from concept to implementation.
Encouraging Access for all
Aspire have worked hard to maintain free access to the Eid Festival by sourcing funding to pay for the event. And all activities on the day are either free or low cost, making the event accessible to everyone, especially those on lower incomes.
Activities on the Day
A variety of workshops were teamed with traditional children's activities as well as catering for adults and teenagers.
Workshops included Stone Carving with Adam Suleiman, Bonfire and Challenges with ISB Beech Hill Scouts and Storytelling with Alia Zoulaub. And with Kite Making, Wall Climbing, Face Painting and Archery, there were activities to cater for everyone.
In total it was estimated that 1000 people attended the event ensuring its success and continuation. This was a remarkable achievement given the short time frame for organising the event and the limited advertising available.
Eid Festival 2009
Following from the success of the Event in 2008, Aspire and Central Beds Council teamed up once more to bring the Eid Festival 2009 to the Downs.
With increased provisions of food, and stalls under industrial marquees, and an increase in activities, the event was able to cater for more people.
Entertainment was provided by a children's entertainer and Spoken Word artists as well as children's plays.Workshops were run by Adam Suleiman and
storytelling was delivered by Sufia Ahmed.
That year it was estimated that over 4000 people attended the event, the highest number of people to visit the Downs on a single day. The Festival went on to win an Equality and Diversity award in recognition of the dynamic way it has increased understanding between different communities.
Eid Festival 2010 - the way forward
In 2010, Aspire aims to make the Eid Festival bigger and better.The povisional date for the event is Saturday 18th September 2010.
Sponsorship and Advertising deals for the event are available, and the event is advertised widely through all Luton schools and local newspapers.
Contact: Eidfestival@aspire-uk.org
"Central Bedfordshire Council has formed a strong and committed partnership with ASPIRE. ASPIRE has proved to be a wonderful local organisation and partner working with people of all ages and from all backgrounds and communities. Between us we have brought people and communities together and helped them to discover and enjoy a beautiful area of countryside right on their own doorstep!"
Stephen Halton Central Bedfordshire County Council
