Press Coverage

Watford Observer

With the Hertfordshire town of Watford hosting it’s first ever multicultural Eid Festival in 2016 in association with The Imam Hussein Foundation, the local Watford Observer newspaper covered the event, writing an article in the process. You can read the article below:

“Doves were released at the climax of Watford’s first ever multicultural Eid festival.

The event on Saturday, July 9, saw a number of people from different walks of life, cultures, denominations and schools come together to celebrate Eid at Holywell Community Centre.

Attractions included the Rustam Troupe Group, a group of Persian sportsmen based in Maida Vale, London, who performed for more than 45 minutes.

Organiser Hashim Nawrozzadeh said: “One of the reasons why we chose to hold the festival in Watford is because we believe that the population of Watford is not only diverse but is known for its liberal values and the Mayor of Watford, Baroness Thornhill was also very helpful in facilitating the event.

“Today we have seen that the city of Watford and its people have lived up to their reputation in every sense of the word. Watford is a truly remarkable city with truly remarkable people.”

Eid is a Muslim religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

Organsier Haji Munir, of United Taxis and WYMT, a Watford-based youth organisation, said: “Everywhere you look around there are smiling faces, young and old, and those who have come from other cities will surely take back home something which they will never forget, and that is why Watford is special.”

There was free food in the form of Lebanese style Halal kebabs and chicken biriani, ice cream and Karak tea – a herbal cream tea served by a group named ChaiWala.

The climax of the event was the dove release for World Peace at 5pm, when some 40 white doves were released by children and guests including Watford Borough councillors Jagtar Singh Dhindsa, Rabi Martins, Mark Watkin, and Anne Rindl.”