THE Muslim community gathered to celebrate Eid al-Adha today and to raise money for a new community centre.

Members from a range of communities, both Muslim and non-Muslim, came to Ensbury Park to celebrate the holiday, which is the second Eid of the year.

Six hundred people gathered to pray together at 8.30am on Sunday, June 16 at Bournemouth Velodrome, before an Eid party at the neighbouring Ensbury Park Community Centre.

More than 850 people then came to the event to celebrate the occasion, which honours Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice one of his sons for God.

(Image: Newsquest)

As Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, Allah stopped him and gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead.

The festival also marks the last day of the Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca.

On the day, there was a range of Turkish food on offer as well as ice cream, henna and face painting.

Organised by BCP Shout Out and the Turkish Educational and Cultural Association, the event was raising funds to help build a community centre for all communities to be untied and shared together.

Those who attended the event hailed its success.

(Image: Newsquest)

“I’ve been here more than 28 years; this is the first event I fell really I am integrated with the different communities,” one attendee, Hayet, said.

“It’s so nice, it’s fantastic. Plus, what is good about it is the outside area for the kids, they are enjoying [it], all the other activities, it’s lovely.

“For me, it’s a successful event.”

Mohamed Ali Bousfeita agreed.

He said: “I’ve been living in Bournemouth for the last 28 years and this is the first ever event I’ve seen, well organised, people from all different ethnics, they came together.

“Muslim people and even non-Muslim people, they are here with us, enjoying themselves.

(Image: Newsquest)

“I would like to thank Sister Tama and her team, the volunteers, they did an excellent job.

“We just found out yesterday about it. So all this, what you see, has just been one or two days and that’s it.

“It’s amazing, it’s lovely. We are all enjoying ourselves.”

Abdullah Sadat said: “This is a day for everyone, a day of happiness, a day of food, drink, enjoyment.

“Down at the event here, it’s been a wonderful time, enjoyed the Eid prayer in the morning, and lots of fun, games and food and drink.

“It’s a very enjoyable time for everyone, families and everyone.”