HUNDREDS of people turned out to celebrate ethnic diversity in Ipswich at an event marking the Muslim festival Eid.

HUNDREDS of people turned out to celebrate ethnic diversity in Ipswich at an event marking the Muslim festival Eid.

The event, organised by the Ipswich Mosque in Bond Street, was held at the Caribbean Club, in Woodbridge Road, yesterday.

As part of the celebrations there was food and drink, and various activities with Jeremy Pembroke, leader of Suffolk County Council, among the dignitaries attending.

One of the event organisers, Mohammed Tunu Miah, said: “The aim is to build a better community relationship.

“There have been a lot of cultural activities taking place and it gives other people the chance to sample the culture.

“We want to promote understanding and get the community together.”

Eid is one of the Muslim world's most sacred festivals, marking the end of the Hajj - the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Eid-ul-Adha (Celebration of Sacrifice) marks the occasion when Abraham (Ibrahim) was prepared to sacrifice his son at the request of God (Allah) only for the boy to be spared in favour of sheep at the last minute.

To mark this it is traditional for Muslims to share a feast of lamb with their families and friends.