BOSSES at the Intu Trafford Centre are planning events to celebrate the end of Eid on July 25.

Thousands of Muslims are expected to descend on the centre to celebrate the holy day.

As a result, events have been organised over the weekend which include a Bollywood harpist, sitar players and tabla drummers.

While children will enjoy Eid cookie workshops on the bandstand, shoppers will have an opportunity to join henna workshops to decorate their hands in the traditional way.

Richard Paxton, general manager: “We are known all over the UK for our festive celebrations at Christmas and Chinese New Year, and recent experience tells us it makes complete sense to push the boat out for this major Muslim festival too.

“Our usual live bands will all have a Bollywood spin, and many of our retailers will also be putting on special events and offers over the weekend, with some stores like Selfridges and Gap extending their opening hours to cater for the crowds.

He added: "We are proud to boast a higher population of Muslims here in Manchester than the regional or national average, and we would like to treat our local community to something special."

Picture Wasim Awan, customer services, strikes up a welcome tune at the glass piano with Bollywood harpist Maxine Molin-Rose, who will be one of the acts appearing over the Eid weekend.