As soon as we got there we couldn't believe the vast number of people that had already arrived. The atmosphere of the event was full of energy and laughs and not to forget the amazing smell of food from various cultures that was being served. People from all over the world were attending and we soon found out that people had flown in as far as Malaysia just to attend the event. Lucky for us it was just a bus ride away :)
Quick pit stop for a selfie!
Bit of Photo Booth fun :)
The Music played, people cheered and food was being served. There were also a couple of groups dancing all around but the only thing on our minds was getting that interview with Mr Khan. As we waited around the moment finally came and we knew it as the sound of journalists screaming his name quickly filled the noise around us. We all looked at each other as if we were ready to tackle the mob of journalists ahead of us, we were in our zone - walking towards him, ready to interview him and then.. we get bombarded with a group of tourists running towards him with their Canon cameras ready in their hands. That was the exact moment that we realized that we were doomed, we all looked at each other in disappointment but then suddenly Amreen whipped out her camera and said 'I am not giving up!'.
It felt like a heroic movie moment as we saw her attempting to squeeze past this group, firstly starting off politely with saying 'excuse me' but as she realised no one was listening she just went in full force by pushing people out the way. Of course, we were right behind her ensuring she could manoeuvre her way around for that perfect selfie and interview slot. We continued on our way, shouting our question in unison to the Mayor. 'What does multiculturalism mean to you?' It went on for a good 2 minutes and then he caught our eyes and just smiled back. We all looked at each other in glee as if we had just accomplished winning the Olympics but the moment was short lived when we realised poor Amreen hadn't come out of the massive crowd but to our joy we see her coming out holding her camera in her hands. I got one she screamed. As she showed us the picture we all looked at each other in shock. 'Amreen you do look a bit squished' and she replied with a simple, 'I would like too see you try and get a photo in that pack of sardines!'
Amreen and her 'selfie' with the Mayor
The Eid festival represents the ideology multiculturalism well as it illustrates how diversity, tolerance and unity is all achieved through the simple act of an event like this one. It brought many people from all across the UK together to celebrate the end of Ramadan.