Luton Eid event provides children in need with free rides

Community groups have worked together to provide free rides for children at an Eid celebration event.

The two-day Inspire Eid Festival started on Sunday and runs through to Monday at Lewsey Park in Luton.

Local radio station Inspire FM, Luton Foodbank and schools in the area formed a partnership to provide free ride tokens to families in need.

Organiser Nakash Mahmood said: “We want to make sure every child smiles this Eid.”

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which has been sponsored by Luton Rising.

Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar.

Organisers have described the event in Luton as “the UK’s most affordable Eid festival”.

Liz Stringer, from Luton Foodbank, said it wanted to work with Inspire FM on the ride project after it helped its own campaign, Every Child Smiles.

Mr Mahmood added: “We’re working with Luton Foodbank and our partners to ensure every child in Luton can come to this event with free ride tokens and enjoy the festivities, without any costs to their parents and guardians.”