A TWO-day Muslim prayer festival could be staged in Corporation Park, Blackburn, next month.

The event – the first of its kind outside London – would attract thousands of visitors from across the North West, according to the group behind the plans.

They hope the festival would help change the image of Muslims and how Eid is celebrated among the wider community.

Eid, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan in which Muslims fast, is due to take place on October 1.

Jalal ibn Sa’eed Mohabbat, one of the organisers, said: “The Muslim community has been crying out for such an event.

"As well as prayers in the morning the two-day festival will include funfairs, Islamic stalls and children’s games.

“However, prayers will only be held on the first day.

"We will celebrate on a second day for others to join in who did not pray on the first day.

“It is important that the host community sees a united Muslim community and two times a year we can show them what and who we are.”

National group the Eid Celebration Committee is behind the plans.

It held a pilot event in Ealing, London, which was attended by thousands.

Mr Mohabbat said: “In London the response was overwhelming.

“According to Islamic texts regarding the Eid prayer must be prayed outdoors and can be prayed inside a masjid if it is necessary.”

Local organiser Ashfaq Ahmed told of his plans for Blackburn: “We are hoping to cater for 3,500 people and the plan is to attract people from across the region.”

A council spokesperson said they had been approached to host the event and the matter was being considered.