Watch: We join the Eid Al-Adha celebration in Small Heath Park, Birmingham, as a community comes together

Eid Al-Adha - also known as the Feast of Sacrifice - represents one of the two main holidays within Islam. Observed internationally, Small Heath Park today plays host to thousands of celebrants from varied backgrounds, gathered here to honour this pivotal event within the Islamic calendar.

The early morning hours marked the commencement of a religious congregation with sermons organised by Birmingham Central Mosque and Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre. Eid Al-Adha celebrates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command, and Muslims practise a number of acts in observance of this holiday.

Organisers have extended an open invitation to all communities to come along to Small Heath Park and join in today’s festivities that include a funfair, an array of food stalls and engaging family activities.

According to the 2021 census, 30% of the population of Birmingham declared themselves as belonging to the Islamic faith making it the second largest religion in the city. To put that into perspective Muslims make up 6.5% of England and Wales, making Islam a big part of Birmingham’s modern identity.

Days like today offer an opportunity for communities to come together and gain better insight into one another’s traditions. Eid in the Park was launched following morning prayers preaching the messages “there’s unity in the community” and “let’s love each other” - messages that have clearly been embodied here on this special day.