More than a thousand people gathered to enjoy a cultural mix of music, food and more over the weekend.

The Eid Community Mela returned to Fort Gardens, Gravesend, on Sunday to celebrate the islamic festival and bring communities of all faiths together.

The event hosted by Cohesion Plus, in partnership with Gravesend Skills Centre, Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Involve Kent showcased an array of diverse performances and community stalls.

Khawar Khurshid from Gravesend Skills Centre, said: “We were proud to support the Eid Community Mela.”

Also known as Eid Al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday marks the end of the Ramadan period of fasting.

Khurshid said: “Eid is a special time for the Muslims around the world and this time it was made extra special for us in Gravesham as we were able to celebrate with all of our friends and colleagues at the Mela regardless of faith.”

The festivities featured a variety of live acts from Syrian band, Jamal and Alaa, Pakistani performers, Raag Qawali Group, North Indian fusion act the Kings of Dhol and others.

Off stage there were musical workshops for babies by the Playground Project, cricket workshops by Kent County and Gravesham Cricket Clubs, as well as face painting and a fun fair.

Creative director of Cohesion Plus, Gurvinder Sandher MBE, said: “The backbone of our work is to promote community cohesion through the arts and to break down barriers. Also important to us is providing a platform for culturally diverse artists to perform.”

“The Eid Community Mela was the perfect blend of both ideals and we are very thankful to everyone who attended those of Islamic faith and those who aren’t. I am so very pleased that we were all able to celebrate together.”