A mosque in Nelson is hosting a community barbeque for residents of all backgrounds in a stand against civil unrest.
Ghausia Masjid Mosque, on Clayton Street, will host the event run by Dockray Events and Management which hopes to bring all communities in Pendle together to reflect on recent unrest and strengthen the community.
The open day, on Sunday, September 8, will give a tour of the Masjid where attendees can meet the volunteers and teachers and attendees can learn more about the religion.
Ali Ahmed, who is running the event, was inspired to put on the event after being shocked by the number of arrests from Lancashire in relation to the riots.
He said: “The statistics are very frightening and the question for me is why these under 18s have gone to these far-right views.
“The biggest thing for me is the 50 per cent Asian minority in Pendle, these isolated attacks have triggered disturbances which we don’t want in our towns and city.”
Speeches will be given by Imam Qari Khalid Mehmood as well as other local officials and dignitaries.
Food will be served at 12.30pm and will include a selection of Halal meats and vegetarian options.
Ali added: “We need to be extra vigilant and as a community to come together and that is why I invited all faiths, and they will arise to a non-faith group.
“It is more to bring the community together and say we don’t want any of this.
“We want to work with other communities. It is coming to the mosque have a look around and the work they do.”
And Ali is encouraging people of all faiths and world views to come and discuss Islam with the Muslim community and the Imam.
He said: “I think it is important that having engagement and working with groups from different communities and faith groups to help us move forward.
“Come and talk to us whether you agree or don’t agree. Come in and talk about it and move your differences out of the way.”
Ali has worked in the community all his life acting as a town councillor alongside working with children with special educational needs.
Nationally, more than 1,000 have been arrested and nearly 600 charged in connection with the far-right riots that erupted following the stabbing of three children in Southport.
East Lancashire avoided most of the trouble but major incidents in Blackpool and Bolton sent shockwaves through the county.
Numerous dignitaries have been invited to the event and Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw will be attending.
For more information on the community barbecue email dockray.events@outlook.com
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