News / Netham Park
Celebrating Eid (belatedly) in Netham Park
Laughter, music, sunshine and sports marked a happy afternoon in Netham Park as families came together for a belated Eid celebration.
Tuesday’s weather was a far cry from May, when the community picnic had to be called off due to the rain, and people made the most of the opportunity to gather outside for the long-awaited occasion.
By 4pm, the queue for the face painting booth stretched far back on the newly-mown grass and children ran free, participating in a whole host of sports spread across the expansive park.
is needed now More than ever
Organised by Talo, together with Bristol Horn Youth Concern and The Network, the picnic that was originally timed to celebrate the end of Ramadan was a much-needed opportunity for families to come together after the successive lockdowns.
Hibo Mahamoud, the founder of Talo, said it was a joy to see communities coming together and having fun.
“Speaking to people, the last year has been really hard for the mental health of families and today people feel free – they can socialise, there’s a lot of laughter and smiles,” Hibo told Bristol24/7.
“This feels really important because the past year most people have just been spending time with their immediate family and Eid is more than that – it’s the extended family, it’s the local neighbourhood, it’s the local community and today was a chance to have a bit of that.”
Hibo Mahamoud with ten-year-old daughter Mahdia Muuse, who was helping out for the day
Mahad Roble says the community celebration was much-needed
Taking a brief break from supervising an ongoing football match, Mahad Roble, who works with Bristol Horn Youth Concern, said it was really nice to see so many people turn out for the picnic. “It’s been needed,” he added.
An afternoon of food, face painting and fun culminated in a sports day for all.
Making the most of the sun in Netham Park
There were games, face painting, picnics and more to celebrate Eid
Mohab Ibrahim, Abdi Hassan and Ayman Ali of Bristol Horn Youth Concern step in to help out for the afternoon
Newly-elected Green councillor for Lawrence Hill Yassin Mohamud with son Mohamed Hassan, 14
Families turned out for a much-needed celebration in Netham Park
Main photo features Sanira, 8, Suraya, 9, and Maryam, 8. All photos by Ellie Pipe
Read more: Young people speak out about what needs to change in St Jude’s
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