MORE than 1,200 people celebrated the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr in Newport on Sunday.

Eid-ul-Fitr is an Islamic festival which celebrates the end of the sacred month of Ramadhan.

Muslims have been observing Ramadhan across the world for the last month, attending mosques for night prayers, and abstaining from food and drink during the day.

Residents attended a city celebration at Rodney Parade over the weekend, where they performed the Eid Prayer.

Shamim Torofdar said: “It was the first of its kind for Newport, a historic occasion.

“Eid in the Park brought together families from all corners of Newport to have fun and rejoice over what has been a spiritual month.

“It was heart warming to witness so many Muslims and people of other faiths coming to this event in their numbers to defeat the obstacle of fear and division that is being created.

“We would like to give our appreciation to the Rodney Parade management, police and sponsors for their support and facilitation of the event.

“Everyone who came and joined in the celebrations really enjoyed the day.”