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09th October 2007

Ground-Breaking Cultural Event

Pollokshields celebrates Eid-ul Fitr with a community wide event

On Saturday 13th October 2007, the communities of Pollokshields will celebrate Eid-ul Fitr with a family friendly day of festivities on and around Albert Drive to be called "Eid on the Drive."

Eid-ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadhan within the Muslim calendar and is traditionally a day for exchanging gifts and showing compassion to friends, family and neighbours.

The demand for an organised Eid event was established following on from previous years when young people have congregated on Albert Drive to greet each other and celebrate. However, with no organised activities on offer, the young people have often felt frustrated and other local residents and businesses have felt excluded from the celebrations.

As a result of this, a steering group of local organisations and individuals came together with the aim of developing a celebration which provided alternative activities for local young people whilst providing a family focused event for all local residents.

On the day, young people will be able to attend a "youth zone" in Scotland Street Car Park (next to Shields Road underground 14:30 - 18:30) where Strathclyde Police and Fire & Rescue, will set up a car manoeuvrability course and car safety/ cut it out event. There will also be a double decker bus hosting computer games and inflatables.

At 19:00, a community lantern parade will set off from Albert Drive at Shields Road and make its way to the bottom of Albert Drive at Darnley Street. Local schools and community groups have made lanterns and will lead the parade with the whole community invited to join in. The event will come to a stunning climax at 20:00 with a firework display which will be viewed from Albert Drive and Darnley Street.

Councillor Irfan Rabbani, member of the Eid on the Drive steering committee said: Pollokshields holds a unique cultural position in contemporary Scotland. By celebrating Eid with a cross community, family friendly event such as Eid on the Drive we will be demonstrating the good will and harmony that exists within this diverse community."

The event is being supported by Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, The Scottish Executive, YCSA, The Hidden Gardens, Islamic Society of Britain, Pollokshields Community Council, Glasgow City Council, The Scottish Executive, Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance, Glasgow Community Planning, South East Glasgow & Care Partnership, Glasgow South East Regeneration Agency and Culture and Sport Glasgow.

The entire event is free. Further information can be found by going to www.eidonthedrive.com