THERE were smiles all round at Maindee Primary School yesterday as hundreds turned out to enjoy the annual Eid festivities.

Organisers Anondho Dhara, a Newport-based group dedicated to the Bangladeshi community in Gwent, have been running events to celebrate the Islamic festival for the past eight years.

But yesterday was their biggest Eid celebration yet, drawing in 800 people of all ages.

People came to browse the clothes, jewellery, and gift stalls, get a henna tattoo, or even to have a go on the ten metre climbing wall.

Local children performed plays to illustrate what Eid is all about.

Internationally renown artists, Shaam, also gave a star performance of devotional songs (nasheed).

The crowd also remembered Isthiack Ahmed, one of the founders of Anondho Dhara, who died last year.

Anondho Dhara Vice Chair, Mashahid Ali, said: "Remembering Isthiack was sad, but the day has still been about everyone coming together and enjoying themselves.

"The event has been a learning curve for people to understand about our culture and to bridge the gaps between communities.

"It's been wonderful to see everybody participating."

The money raised from the event will be donated to the Bangladesh Flood Appeal.

Mr Ali said: "The festival is all about giving and remembering those who are less fortunate so we want to make sure that we give something to those who need our support."

Shahid Malik, 30, of Duffryn, also enjoyed the event. He said: "It's been a really good day - all my family are here and we've all enjoyed ourselves."