Eid prayers have taken place on the Trent Bridge outfield for the very first time, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.
Individuals from Colwick’s Hidayat Dergah community centre and the Mu’Allif organisation in Nottingham were among those led in prayer by Abdul Aziz Ahmed, Imam at Hidayat Dergah.
Following prayers, which took place on the field in front of the Radcliffe Road Stand, attendees enjoyed a Turkish breakfast at Trent Bridge.
“This is an amazing day for me – not just because it’s Eid, but because I’m back at my boyhood cricket ground,” said Abdul Aziz.
“I’ve got loads of memories of seeing some great Notts and international games here, where we’ve had great Muslims play here over the years. To think that we’re here praying on the outfield, where I’m sure they would love to have prayed, makes this a great occasion.
“We’re really grateful to Notts for allowing us to bring the community here. Some of the people who are here today may be a little isolated, so we’re grateful to Notts for allowing us to support so many families.”
The Eid celebration follows a solidarity fast event held at Trent Bridge last month, where staff were invited to fast for a day before breaking their fast alongside members of the community at an event in the venue’s Derek Randall Suite.
The event saw the Adhan – the Islamic call to prayer – broadcast over the Trent Bridge public address system for the very first time.
“We’re really keen to ensure Trent Bridge is welcoming to everyone, of all faiths, and events like these have a really important part to play in that,” said Farah Khan, Nottinghamshire’s Community Engagement Officer – Core Cities.
“To be able to host an event for such a special day in the Muslim calendar not just at Trent Bridge, but on the historic outfield, is amazing. The image of people praying in the direction of Mecca, facing across the Trent Bridge turf, is one I’ll never forget.
“Some of those who joined us today were lifelong cricket lovers, but many had never visited Trent Bridge before – so we’re delighted to have been able to introduce them to our home in such a special way.”