BUSINESSES are being urged to come forward to support a religious festival held in Glasgow.

BUSINESSES are being urged to come forward to support a religious festival held in Glasgow.

The Muslim festival of Eid-al-Fitr, or Eid, is held to mark the end of Ramadan and last year it attracted 5000 people to the South Side.

Eid on the Drive last year included pampering sessions for women and a car show for young men.

The festival was held in and around Albert Drive in Pollokshields, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at the Hidden Gardens.

A huge amount of effort went into arranging events for the whole family to avoid the trouble which marred the festival the year before when youths threw fireworks and were caught joyriding.

Three police officers were hit with fireworks and five people were charged with fireworks and traffic offences.

A steering group was set up to prevent the trouble happening again and the event passed with no reports of problems and with many non-Muslims turning out for the event, including Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

However, nothing has so far been arranged for this year, even though Eid falls between October 1 and 4.

Glasgow City Councillor Ifran Rabbani fears Eid could again descend into violence unless people come forward to help arrange and pay for an organised event.

He said: "My main worry is that the kids would take to the streets if we did not have something this year.

"There was heavy investment last year and it's not to say that the businesses won't invest this year, it's that things have taken a back seat.

"In my opinion local businesses have a moral duty to re-invest in the communities they earn from. They can play a significant community development role as they are part of the fabric of the area they serve."

Last year the Youth Counselling Service Agency led the organisation but they said it was a huge effort which they have not been able to put the resources into again.

If you can help, e-mail Ifran.rabbani@glasgow.gov.uk