On the 26th August 2019, Bucks County Museum opened its doors to host an Eid Fayre with scores of visitors enjoying arts and crafts, historical re-enactments and learning more about what Eid is about.
The scorching bank holiday hindered no ones experience as the day kicked off with speeches from esteemed guests including Julia Upton MBE – High Sherriff of Buckinghamshire and Mike Smith –Mayor of Aylesbury. Their speeches galvanised the audience as they spoke in support of diversity and how amazing it is to have so many different communities right here in Buckinghamshire, interacting and working together. Following this, local Muslims Hatim and Ahmed took to the stage to explain a bit more about Islam and what Eid means to them. After this hugely informative session the audience listened to some traditional Islamic music provided by the very talented Novid and Co, followed by a traditional recitation of Islamic poetry. A true insight into Islamic entertainment carried scores of applause and praise.
Throughout the day children and adults were invited to participate in free arts and crafts in the Museum Garden, both making and designing badges from scratch. On top of this the audience was treated to historical re-enactments and dramatic story telling by the theatre group Eran ud Turan in The Tragedy of Siyavash and The Queen of Bukhara. Only the highest praise can be given to our actors who captured our imaginations and took us back centuries in time! With replica dress, weapons and even food, Eran ud Turan provided an excellent display and one the whole family could sit back and enjoy. They also provided free lessons in writing the ancient Sogdian language and allowed the audience to handle real Sogdian coins.
In the late afternoon guests were treated to the group Hats of Faith which used storytelling to educate children on different cultures and religions, promoting diversity and tolerance in a family friendly manner. All Islamic guests were provided prayer space in order to observe their religious holiday when the Call to Prayer came. The day ended with the fantastic group Eran ud Turan presenting a weapons demonstration, explaining methods of ancient warfare and the sorts of weapons they would have used in ancient times!
The day was a huge success and extremely insightful into learning more about Aylesbury’s local Islamic community and our thanks go out to Community Officer for organising this excellent day. Both Islamic families and non-Islamic families interacted with each other to learn more about the other’s culture in an event which celebrated Buckinghamshire’s multiculturalism.
To find out when more community events like this are taking place please visit our What’s On page or visit our Facebook page @Bucksmuseum
