The Muslim Council of Wales is pleased to support the Welsh Government’s Pilot Event programme.

“Eid at the Castle”, will be an outdoor celebration hosted at Cardiff Castle on either the 12th or 13th May, subject to the sighting of the moon, and will be presented to a strictly ticketed audience.

The Eid celebration has been organised by the Muslim Council of Wales and Production 78 with the support of Cardiff Council, and the Welsh Government.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. It is traditionally celebrated with families gathering, exchanging gifts, and with morning prayers. “Eid at the Castle” is currently the only outdoor Eid prayer in Wales and will test the safe delivery of similar public events and celebrations in the future. All attendees will need to bring evidence of a recent negative “PCR” test as well as a “Lateral Flow Test” and strictly comply with all COVID safety measures in place.

Dr Abdul-Azim Ahmed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Wales, said: “Welsh Muslims have had two Ramadans under lockdown. It’s been an incredibly tough period in which our normal prayers and devotion have had to be changed to ensure we keep each other safe. This event marks light at the end of the tunnel, and opportunity to once again do things together and communally. We are very excited to be part of the pilot event, and value that the Welsh Government recognised Islam as a Welsh religion and an important part of our civic life”.

He continued: “Islam is a very community-focused religion, it encourages doing things together, with your neighbours, your family, your friends, with your local community, whether eating a meal or acts of charity or in this case, celebrating. So it is really valuable to see how we can celebrate safely.”

“Worship outdoors is very important to people of all faiths. This pilot event will help authorities develop strategies for outdoor worship in coming months which are safe for participants. We are very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to this.”

Notes:

“Eid in the Castle” will take place on Wednesday 12th or Thursday 13th May from 9am until 1pm. Contact the Muslim Council of Wales for press passes.

The Muslim Council of Wales is a collective of mosques, Muslim organisations, and charities gathered under the vision of a united Muslim community acting for the common good.