Eid festival
FOOD WAS AMAZING
Do more for children next time not just stalls to sell stuff
Rides crafts tables so they can make and take stuff little workshops
Andsome sort of activities for children it was mainly songs food n stalls to sell stuff was good but more activities wud be even better
Posted by Bunny on 04/07/2023
Eid in the park, Wollaton Hall, Nottingham - 2nd July 2023
Eid in the Park 2023
Great Nottingham Pakistan Forum organised day out in the surroundings of Wollaton Park grounds and Hall. Lucky with the weather, and busy with various families and visitors enjoying the broader facilities and event. A little sign boarding to direct Eid event visitors to closest car park would have helped, otherwise reliant on following the crowds.
Event started at prompt time early at 12 noon, crowds didn't get busy until around 1.30pm and carried on increasing throughout the rest of the afternoon, with the live music event being extended beyond 5.00pm by additional half an hour to allow final songs and keep late arrival crowds entertained. A selection of professional singers, young apprentice musicians and eager amateurs filled the bill with some mixed results, but all with great enthusiasm to showcase their talents, give them credit for having the bottle to get on stage. The final Qawwali (folksong) group from Birmingham helped to bring the music to a crescendo and leave the crowd looking for more if there was the time.
Various curiosity stalls offering scented candles (not sure why), Islamic and South Asian clothing, a few gifts and a toy stall. The food stalls though, were a highlight, choice of vegetarian (falafel stand looked appetising) and halal street foods along with a few home staples to save on cooking at home, enough choice so no one could have gone home hungry, and all at reasonable prices for the portions.
Event drew crowds from mainly the Muslim community, but was also attending by many curious visitors to the grounds, whom listened in on the music and showed interest in the culinary choices. A great opportunity to share in our common humanity, friendship and understanding, with everyone just embracing the simplicity of the moment.
For next year; Hope there will be a few more stands, maybe food, but certainly something to occupy the kids (games, rides, prizes, events) particularly with the 12 noon start timing. A later 1.30pm start and 6.30 pm finish for the performers so they can both prepare and give their all to a larger crowd. More seating, or at least a warning to bring your own picnic rug so you don't have to sit on the deer droppings.
Finally, a big shout out to all the Wollaton Hall staff and Security. They stayed on top of things without disruption to the events of the day and letting people have a great time..... respect.
Posted by Khalid A. on 04/07/2023
Eid in the park, Wollaton Hall, Nottingham - 2nd July 2023
