Huge Platt Fields Park Eid prayer event attended by thousands is cancelled

The prayer was cancelled due to concerns around parking and weather conditions

Eid in the Park is attended by thousands of people across the region and beyond

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 Eid in the Park is attended by thousands of people across the region and beyond (Image: Ryan Jenkinson | Manchester Evening News)

The popular Eid prayer and funfair has been cancelled this year. The news comes Muslims across the region prepare to celebrate the end of Ramadan on Friday (March 20).

Organisers say that the outdoor prayer, which is held at Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, has been postponed due to “safety and operational requirements” relating to terrain and parking spaces.

The event, which is known to attract more than 20,000 people since its inception in 2017, usually features prayers, food stalls, local traders, and a funfair.

However, this year, the huge communal prayers, which it is known for, will not take place outdoor or indoor. Previously, prayers were performed inside the Platt Lane Sport Complex due to bad weather, however, this will not happen either due to insufficient parking facilities.

Worshippers have been told to make alternative arrangements by praying at local mosques instead.

“We encourage everyone to attend their local mosques or neighbourhood prayer arrangements, many of which will organise multiple sessions on Eid morning to welcome worshippers safely and comfortably,” organisers said.

Worshippers have been told to pray at local mosques instead

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Worshippers have been told to pray at local mosques instead (Image: Ryan Jenkinson | Manchester Evening News)

However, the funfair will be open from Friday, March 20 to Sunday March 22.

Organisers say that the decision was made following discussions with Manchester City Council and partner agencies. They expect the outdoor prayers to return in May for Eid-al-Adha.

An excerpt from the announcement reads: “After careful consideration, the organised Eid prayer will not take place at Platt Fields Park or the Platt Lane Sports Complex in March 2026.

“This decision has been made to ensure that all arrangements meet the necessary safety and operational requirements associated with gatherings of this scale. We kindly ask members of the community not to travel to Platt Fields Park expecting to attend the Eid prayer, as the organised prayer gathering will not take place there this March.”

Speaking to the M.E.N, organiser and local councillor, Rabnawaz Akbar, said that the cancellation was due to worries about weather, terrain and parking.

“This year the grass is quite soft,” he said. “There wasn’t really enough hard standing space for cars. If the cars went on the green grass and it rained today or tomorrow, you could end up with vehicles stuck in there.

“The grass could be damaged severely, and it would take a long time to repair.

“We looked at the dome, but the car park facilities there wasn’t sufficient, so on those grounds we decided to keep the funfair and some stalls, but the prayers will be held in mosques.

“The number of people attending and the number of cars attending means that cars will inevitably park on the grass. There’s always a risk that it rains heavily the grass could be damaged or cars could be stuck.

“We totally understand this is a very much-loved event and people are disappointed, but we can’t battle with the climate.”