Celebrations mark end of Ramadan

Eid el-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan

Events will be held in Pollokshields on Saturday in celebration of the festival of Eid el-Fitr, when Muslims celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The day's programme will culminate in a lantern parade down Albert Drive followed by a fireworks display.

Eid on the Drive follows complaints about the way in which Eid was celebrated, particular among young men.

But community groups and the police are hopeful that Saturday's events can attract Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Speaking on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal's Aithris na Maidne on Friday, David Eyre, editor of the local newspapers G41 and G42, gave his view of Eid on the Drive.

We hope to create better understanding amongst diverse communities and generations within Pollokshields Na'eem Raza Project manager

"It's open to everyone," he said. "One of the main purposes of this event is to give people from different parts of the community in Pollokshields the opportunity to come together and celebrate Eid."

While there were no official events in Pollokshields to mark Eid last year, there were a number of complaints after young men were reported setting off fireworks and causing distress to local residents.

On BBC's Scotland Live programme on Friday, Supt Mike Dean of Strathclyde Police said:

"The type of behaviour that was seen on Eid last year was not in my opinion the way Eid should be celebrated."

Diverse communities

But local councillor Ifran Rabbani argued that last year's events should not overshadow Saturday's celebrations.

"I think the community has moved on from last year," he said. "A lot of young people were involved in the running of the events so there's no excuse for that sort of behaviour this year."

Na'eem Raza, project manager of Eid on the Drive said: "The events are open to all members of the local community.

"We hope to create better understanding amongst diverse communities and generations within Pollokshields and reduce anti-social behaviour, Islamophobia and racism."

And Mr Raza insisted that although separate sets of events will be held for men and for women and families, this segregation was not absolute and should not prevent non-Muslims from taking part.

Events will begin at Scotland Street from 1230 on Saturday.