More than a thousand members of Preston’s Muslim community came out to celebrate the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.
A parade route saw them march from the Madjid-E-Aqsa mosque in Fishwick View to main Madjid-E-Noor mosque in Noor Street, Deepdale.
The two-hour long procession is an annual event organised by Mosque leaders.
Preston Police were out on the route, along with traffic management teams from the council, to enforce road closures.
Arif, mosque leader, said: “This is a celebration of our Prophet and our God.
“It’s not just for the Muslim community. We invite anyone to come and take part.
“This is not about causing any disruption. This is a celebration event and we plan it carefully in advance.”
The road closures are paid for by the Muslim community and they also feed the police officers at the end of the parade.
Replay our live stream as the procession crossed New Hall Lane
Inspector Paul McLernon, from Preston Police, thanked the public for their patience and also mosque leaders for their organisation.
He said: “This is a peaceful event and a well organised one.
“We’re just here to provide support. It is their event and they run it.
“We met with them last week to go through arrangements and it is good to see so many people here.”
Around 20 officers were on the streets as the procession made its way up Skeffington Road crossing New Hall Lane and Ribbleton Lane in the process.
It then moved across Deepdale Road, down Argyll Street, and into St Pauls Road, before finishing at the Masjid-E-Noor where a feast was to be held.
The parade comes just a week after national media declared Fishwick and Deepdale as ‘no go’ areas for Preston Police.
A leaflet handed out to passers-by by mosque leaders had the statement: “The Muslim community of Preston wishes you all the best on this auspicious and joyous occasion and we invite you to enjoy this celebration with us and find out more about our often misunderstood relieigion and about our Prophet.”
Did you take part in the parade? Did you see it go by? Let us know in the comments below