Inaugural Eid Fest set to light up ‘Ding

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By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

MUSLIMS across Berkshire will gather at Prospect Park to celebrate one of their most important festivals of the year.

Reading Eid Fest marks Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, and will see visitors young and old enjoy fun-filled activities and performances on Sunday, April 23.

It will be the first running of the event, which will feature traditional food stalls, children’s magic shows and henna.

Organiser Aradhana Singh said: “We did other events before where we wanted to bring all the community together. This event is the same and we are targeting to cater for the entire family.

“For many years, there was no Eid celebration, so our Muslim friends approached us to do it. So we thought, ‘OK, let’s do it this year.’

“It’s all about getting everyone involved. There will

Triple burglary in Pangbourne

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to multiple burglaries in Pangbourne.

Three burglaries were reported to have occurred between 10.15pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, April 15, within close proximity of each other.

Several items have been taken from properties in Courtlands Hill and Flowers Hill, and two unknown men have been heard talking at one of the premises.

Information can be reported online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43230164437.

Alternatively, calll charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Mews burglary

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information, witnesses, CCTV or door cam footage following a report of a burglary in Reading.

The incident took place between 10pm-5am on Sunday, April 16-Monday, April 17 in Thornton Mews.

Those with any information, CCTV or door cam footage from around the time of this incident are asked to contact TVP by calling 101 quoting reference 43230165972 or through its online reporting portal. People can also call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

be something for the kids, kids shows, magic shows. And we’ve got great artists lined up, too.”

Eid, or Eid alFitr, is known as the Festival of Sweets and is one of two official holidays within Islam. It takes place on the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar.

It indicates the conclusion of the month of dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan, which also promotes prayer, reflection and community.

Lyca Radio presenter Anisa Nasir will host the event, announcing live performances which feature a variety of traditional music and dance.

Local artists set to dazzle include: Maz Bonafide, Asif Khan, Adil Hashmi & S.I.B., Sonia Chohan, Qawwali by Awais Mian Qawwal, Adrees Rafiq, Sharmin Khan, Nishi Malhotra and Bhangra by Asli Baharan n For more information or to buy tickets, visit: www.ticketsource. co.uk/booking/select/ RdiEJKhzXNnT

Punjab Diyan group. A Bollywood DJ and Punjabi Dhol players will also be in attendance to provide what promises to be an electric atmosphere.

There will be food stalls offering a variety of treats and snacks, from delicious sweets to savoury items, as well as opportunities to browse and shop for traditional clothing, jewellery and accessories, including: abayas, salwar kameezes, ornate bangles and earrings.

Children can get involved with the henna corner, face painting, magic and puppet shows, balloon modelling, fire show and stilt walking.

Tickets are £3 in advance or £5 on the door.

The event will take place from 1pm-8pm.