Thousands from across the UK are attending Europe’s largest spiritual gathering being held in Blackburn this weekend and here we were given exclusive access to the event.
The UK Tablighi Ijtima (Islamic congregation) has taken months of planning and local council leaders from both Hyndburn and Blackburn with Darwen were invited to a special tour of the facilities (Friday July 26).
Members of the Police, Fire Service and Ambulance Service were also in attendance and shown the sites.
The spiritual gathering is being held at Frontier Park off Junction 6, M65 until Sunday July 28. The site is privately owned and whilst it falls under Hyndburn Council's Jurisdiction it is being advertised as a Blackburn event.
The event which is hoping to attract over 10,000 from across the country is being manned by a team of hundreds of local volunteers who are working throughout the weekend assisting with everything from traffic management to food service.
The self-contained site has areas designated as sleeping quarters, a huge prayer and conference hall and even an outdoor Barbeque.
As well as worshippers from Lancashire mosques, many more people from Islamic organisations from Birmingham, London, Leicester, Scotland and special guests from Europe have travelled to the event to listen to discourses from internationally renowned speakers.
Car parking stewards are on duty 24 hours day are ensuring vehicles only park in designated zones. There is a large-scale shuttle bus service to major offsite car parks.
No Parking cones have been placed on Blackburn Road (500 metres each side of the entrance) and no Parking signs will be placed on the side roads off Blackburn Road to minimise potential disruption to nearby residents.
Attendees will also 'arrive and leave at staggered times throughout the duration of the event, and the maximum attendance is expected to peak on Sunday morning when over 10,000 visitors' will be participating in collective prayers.
Visitors are being advised to follow directions in and around the site to ensure the smooth running of the event.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel