Bury residents and elected officials are expected to gather in mass this week for the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

The special occasion is open to all faiths as the procession travels through Bury,  starting and finishing at the Islamic Centre on Church Street, on Sunday, October 9.

Liaqat Ali, who will be taking part in the procession, said: “It's a multi-faith attendance and not exclusively for Muslims.

“We open up our culture and the celebration to all.

The mayor, MP’s, leader of the council, other councillors and Islamic scholars are involved as well as Greater Manchester Police.

“We expect to attract around 500 people and the celebration will begin at the mosque on Church Street.

“We pray at 2pm and by 2.30pm, we have all the people gathered at the mosque come out and we start the procession."

The procession will begin on Church Street followed by Wash Lane, York Street, Rochdale Road, Heywood Street, Parkhills Road and Wellington Road.

There will be a marquee at Wellington Road serving light refreshments before the Procession goes back to Church Street via the same route in reverse.

Mr Ali said: “We have marshals who make sure that the roads are closed, and they look after the procession.

“We will spend about 15 to 20 minutes at Wellington Road before we go back to the mosque for the speeches and hot food which will be served to everyone.”

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