Police in Manchester have issued a series of guidelines for visitors to the Eid ul-Fitr festival in Rusholme this weekend.

Eid is a time of celebration within the Muslim community to mark the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and begins with the first sighting of the new moon.

Every year, thousands of people gather in and around Rusholme to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr.

Greater Manchester Police plays an important role in the festivities and has been working together with the Manchester Muslim community, the Rusholme Business Association and the Council of Mosques to ensure that this year's celebration is safe and trouble-free and to minimise traffic disruption in the area.

Superintendent John O'Hare from the Metropolitan Division said: "Eid is a very important part of the Muslim calendar and we are extremely proud that Rusholme is a focal point for the UK Muslim community. We welcome visitors to the area and hope the celebrations are enjoyable for all.

"As part of the policing operation, and to allow the local Muslim community to celebrate their religious festival with minimal disruption, an increased number of police officers will be patrolling the area and will be diverting traffic away from Wilmslow Road during the celebrations. This may mean that journeys through Rusholme are likely to take longer than usual.

"I would like to ask residents, and students who might be new to the area and not aware of these celebrations, to be patient with these traffic disruptions and respect this very important Muslim festival."

Khan Moghal, Chief Executive of Manchester Council for Community Relations has also reiterated this message: "We want everyone to join in the family-friendly festivities. We expect visitors to respect the wishes of the local communities and not to cause disruption. My message to all those young people intending to come to Rusholme is to come to enjoy yourselves in a peaceful manner in the true spirit of Eid. If anyone is intent on causing problems for the local community, then please stay away.

"We will support Greater Manchester Police to take effective measures to ensure family-friendly celebrations are enjoyed by all."

As in recent Eid celebrations there are a number of security measures that will be implemented which include:

  • Restrictions on traffic entering Wilmslow Road, in addition to other diversions and road closures.
  • Closed circuit television will be in operation throughout the area.
  • Fireworks will be seized. Persons igniting them will be prosecuted.

Alongside these usual measures police officers have the authority to seize any vehicle that is being driven in an anti-social manner. The ruling comes under section 60 of the Police Reform Act 2002 and follows on from its successful implementation last year, when 70 vehicle seizure warning notices were issued to drivers.

A number of traffic restrictions will be in place during key celebration times, between 6pm and 4am on Friday and Saturday, to help make Eid a peaceful and enjoyable occasion and to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and motorists.

The main area for delays will be along Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, between Platt Lane and Moss Lane East, however in previous years traffic has extended back to Manchester city centre and Fallowfield.

A dedicated signed diversion route for motorists who are not attending the celebrations will be implemented this year and motorists are advised to follow this route.

It is intended that Wilmslow Road will remain open throughout the festival, however it will be closed should the need arise. The following road closures may be implemented:

  • Grafton Street between Upper Brook Street and Oxford Road. People who work at or are visiting the hospital will be allowed access.
  • Hathersage Road between Anson Road and Oxford Road, People who work at or are visiting the hospital will be allowed access.

Police officers will be at these junctions throughout any closures and there will be a number of other smaller diversions in place.

Police are advising anyone intending to use Wilmslow Road to travel to or from the city to expect significant delays, find alternative routes where possible or follow the EID diversion signs for the duration of the Eid Celebrations.

Greater Manchester Police urge those attending the celebrations to act responsibly and wish all Muslim communities 'Eid Mubarak'.