Home Affairs Correspondent
Luton Council has announced the cancellation of this year’s Inspire FM Eid festival, which was due to take place at Stockwood Park at the end of March, citing public safety concerns. The decision follows a recommendation from the town’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which comprises representatives from Bedfordshire Police, East of England Ambulance Service, public protection, parks, highways, and other council services.
The Inspire Eid festival, held annually to celebrate the end of Ramadan, has grown in popularity over the years, attracting up to 30,000 attendees in some editions. However, recent events have seen serious incidents and significant traffic congestion, prompting the council to prioritise safety.
In a statement released on March 9, the council said, “We understand this news will be deeply disappointing to the community. Inspire Eid is a much-loved and valued event for many families across the town. Public safety must always be our absolute priority.”
Former organiser Nadeem Khan expressed his disappointment at the decision. He said: “It is disappointing for the community. Inspire Eid has become a key event for families in Luton, and it is hugely regrettable that it cannot go ahead this year.”
Mohammed Tariq, station operations manager for Inspire FM, which organises the festival, echoed these sentiments. He said: “We are extremely disappointed with the decision to cancel Inspire Eid. However, we fully recognise that public safety must always be the priority. We apologise to families and members of the community who were looking forward to attending, and we will work hard to bring the event back successfully for Eid in May 2026.”
The council added that events would only be authorised where the required documentation, infrastructure, and safeguards are fully in place and approved through SAG. Looking to the future, they said: “We remain committed to working constructively with Inspire FM to explore how the event might take place safely and sustainably.”
The Inspire Eid festival has long been celebrated as a highlight of Luton’s cultural calendar, bringing together the local community to mark the end of Ramadan with festivities, food, and entertainment. While this year’s event will not go ahead, organisers and the council are actively exploring ways to ensure the festival can return safely for future editions.
Feature photo: A previous Inspire FM Eid festival (Credit: Inspire FM/CC)
