IN an effort to break down barriers, the Moroccan Community Association in Trowbridge invited people from many different backgrounds to its Eid Festival on Saturday.

More than 140 people headed to Longfield Community Centre, Weavers drive, for the celebration, that provided Moroccan food and Gnawa music, which is a rich Moroccan repertoire of ancient African Islamic spiritual religious songs and rhythms.

Although the association puts on the event every year, chairman Abdel Boutarfas said this year was a good time to break down barriers and invite the wider community to see the delights that Islamic culture has to offer.

"It was a really fun and enjoyable event, giving people from backgrounds such as Turkey, Britain and Poland the chance to learn a bit more about Moroccan culture," he said.

"Usually we have an event in the day, with a bouncy castle and a magician, but this year, in light of the tensions in the UK and overseas with the terrorist attacks, we wanted to bring people together in the evening and show people what Islamic culture is like and it worked really well. Many people said they would love to come back and learn more about Morocco.

"If we can bring people together and celebrate our cultures then I think that is a great thing for everyone. The music was great, the food was good and the company was lovely as well."