A BLAZE of colour will light up East Oxford during the city’s first Eid festival tomorrow.

Faith leaders, community groups and families from across the city are set to gather in Manzil Way for the Oxford Eid Extravaganza.

It comes two weeks after Muslims across the globe marked the end of their month-long fast during the holy month of Ramadan with Eid al Fitr.

Event organiser Shabnam Sabir said families usually hold their own small parties to mark the Islamic festival but it was the first time people of all faiths would come together.

She added: “We have never done anything for Oxford where everybody is invited. We have street parties, Christmas parties, but there has never been anything for Eid.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to show Oxford how we celebrate Eid.”

Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims, who fast from dusk to dawn, to mark the time when the holy book the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

It begins each year after a sighting of a crescent moon during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, with it falling between June 18 and July 17 this year.

Mother-of-four Ms Sabir said she was inspired to host the community event after speaking with youngsters at Oxford Kidz Club, which she runs every Sunday at the Asian Cultural Centre.

The 41-year-old said she was expecting about 1,000 people to pour into Manzil Way, including its Asian Cultural Centre and the Central Oxford Mosque.

She said the Eid festivities were essential to “build blocks” between people of different faiths across the city.

Tutor Ms Sabir, of Glebelands, Headington, said: “I think it’s important for different communities to be able to integrate and enjoy things together, rather than have small clustered events.

“I would like to celebrate with friends, family and neighbours so there is that positive side of our community.

“I think Oxford is a very multi-cultural city. We don’t integrate enough. Everyone has got their own speciality, culture or positive contribution to make but we never have it all in one place.”

More than 60 activities will fill the street, community centre and mosque, including a barbecue, circus acts, jewellery workshops, rides, bungee jumping, shows and information stalls.

Ms Sabir was also part of a team which invited the city’s homeless people to share a meal with Muslims in Gloucester Green while they broke their fast on July 14.

Hojjat Ramzy, director of Cowley-based Oxford Islamic Information Centre, said he was looking forward to seeing people of all faiths in one space during the Eid festival, which will take place between 2pm and 7pm.

He added: “It’s great for the spirit of Muslims and non-Muslims to get together. It will bring the community together, people from all walks of life.”