Birmingham Kings Heath locals react to the first outdoor Eid celebration in their neighbourhood

The first outdoor Eid event in a Birmingham neighbourhood yesterday (Sunday, July 2) has received great reviews from residents.

The vibrant and diverse Eid celebration took place at All Saints Square in Kings Heath on July 2nd, 2023. It was presented by Soul City Arts and Kings Heath BID and was supported by All Saints Church, Birmingham City Council, and Arts Council England.

Eid Al-Adha was celebrated on June 28 and 29 by Muslim people across the world. In Birmingham, Small Heath park hosted a large gathering on June 28. A fun fair followed prayers - for which thousands of people had gathered.

Across town, on July 2 - Kings Heath hosted its first outdoor Eid celebrations with art, food vendors, mehendi, performances as well as Soul City Arts’ Soul Fire Sundays with live art installations.

Artistic Director and Soul City Arts founder Mohammed Ali emphasizes the importance of inclusive celebrations. On Twitter, he said: “I told my team, if I don’t see a mix of people at #eidinKingsheath then I’ve failed. I’m not in the game of tokenism, but aiming for long term change. If you don’t see me doing that pull me up for it. Successes should be celebrated & built upon- let’s keep pushing!” The turnout for the event was huge and included people from different ethnicities coming together for the festival.

One visitor wrote on Twitter: “Such an amazing and inclusive afternoon. Loved every minute of it. Thank you @SoulCityArts @AliAerosol for making it happen. I really hope this becomes a regular thing.”

Better Streets for Birmingham, one of the organisations that has been campaigning for safer roads for the city, was also present at the event. One of the campaigners said: “Brilliant vibe at the @SoulCityArts Eid festival in Kings Heath and lots of interest in our @for_birmingham stall, including from @David4BKH @WaseemZaffar and @ZafarMBE.”

Brummie comedian Barbara Nice said: “A great event today.” Cllr Waseem Zaffar MBE, who also visited the event, said: “Incredible vibe at the Eid in Kings Heath festival. @AliAerosol, @SoulCityArts and their wide range of partners supported by @LisaTrickett41 and @David4BKH certainly know how to put on a party.”

One resident wrote: “A really lovely afternoon with @SoulCityArts #EidinKingsHeath and an amazing turn out for food, art, performance and music. And did I mention food?”