Mass Eid prayer being held at Cardiff Castle in post-Covid pilot scheme

Up to 500 worshippers will attend event in Wales this week

People relax in the late summer sunshine in the grounds of Cardiff Castle in the Welsh capital, where a pilot event will be held for Eid prayers. AFP

An outdoor Eid prayer will be held in Wales in a trial scheme to see how large events can be hosted during the pandemic.

Backed by the Welsh government, it will take place on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the moon sighting which marks the start of Eid Al Fitr.

Up to 500 worshippers can attend the pilot scheme at Cardiff Castle, where families can bring picnics and buy food on site.

Organisers said Eid at the Castle will be the "first opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate Eid safely and in unity".

Rules for the event state that attendees will need to provide proof of two recent negative Covid-19 tests.

Masks are also mandatory upon arrival but once seated or during prayers, they can be removed.

Many Eid celebrations around the world were unable to take place because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Wales is currently unwinding its lockdown restrictions in tandem with the rest of the UK.

On Saturday, Welsh-language and arts festival Tafwyl will take place at the castle. It will be the first time live music has been performed to an audience in Wales since March last year.

Next month, spectators will be welcomed back to sporting events.

Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, said: "It's been a long and difficult 18 months for those who long to see the return of live events to Wales.

"As we look at lifting the coronavirus restrictions, we have worked closely with event organisers to establish a list of pilot test events which take in a range of different locations and types of event.

"This work is bringing us a step closer to a return to events in Wales, I'd like to thank these event owners and local authorities and health boards for their commitment in working with us and wish them well over the summer."