Eid al-Fitr is anticipated to be celebrated on March 20 or 21, 2026, depending on moon sighting confirmation. Traditionally, Eid prayers are held in the early morning on the first day of Eid, marking a significant communal event for Muslims as they celebrate the end of Ramadan.
However, just before this year’s celebrations, a key development occurred. The outdoor Eid prayer event at Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield, Manchester, has been cancelled due to safety and operational requirements. This decision was made after careful consideration, with concerns raised about parking and weather conditions.
Rabnawaz Akbar, a representative involved in the planning, noted, “This year the grass is quite soft. There wasn’t really enough hard standing space for cars.” The cancellation is particularly impactful as the Platt Fields Park event typically attracts over 20,000 attendees.
In light of this cancellation, worshippers are encouraged to pray at local mosques instead. Organisers have stated, “We encourage everyone to attend their local mosques or neighbourhood prayer arrangements, many of which will organise multiple sessions on Eid morning to welcome worshippers safely and comfortably.” This year, the East London Mosque plans to hold multiple morning prayer sessions between 8am and 11am.
Families are also advised to inform schools about taking children out for prayers and events, ensuring that the community can still participate in the celebrations despite the changes.
1Eid, which has been running for 18 years, aims to bring joy and unity during Eid. The event at Platt Fields Park was set to return for the tenth time in 2026, highlighting its significance within the community.
As Ramadan is likely to begin on February 19, 2026, lasting 29 or 30 days, the preparations for Eid are underway, albeit with adjustments due to the recent developments. Most major city mosques plan their main Eid prayers to start between 9am and 10am.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact date of Eid al-Fitr and the potential impact of weather conditions on future events. However, the community remains resilient, with a strong emphasis on upholding traditions, as echoed by the 1Eid organisers: “Come rain or shine the sunnah must be upheld!”