Arena bomb victims are remembered

BALLOON release . . . during the vigil to victims of the Manchester bombing

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VICTIMS of the Manchester Arena attack were remembered with the release of balloons during a family festival in Oldham's Alexandra Park on Sunday.

Community and political leaders joined festival-goers and organisers at the Open Call event, organised by Greengate Trust with Penny Appeal and British Muslim TV.

The symbolic balloon launch took pace at 3pm and was attended by guests including the Mayor of Oldham and MPs.

Attractions during the afternoon includes a fun fair, bouncy castles, donkey rides, archery, go-karts, quad-bikes and stalls selling clothing, food, jewellery and literature.

Entertainment included international 'nasheed' singers who sing without musical accompaniment.

Organiser Mohammed Bilal (38), an Imam from Glodwick and a former Hathershaw School pupil, said: "We held one minute of silence and set off the balloons in memory of the innocent adults and children killed in the Manchester terrorist attack. Thousands of people have attended these festivals in the past few years and we are promoting peace, love and harmony. This year's event promoted the hash-tag message of #westandtogether. The festival welcomes all people from all backgrounds and is a fantastic, family day bringing communities together."

Mr Bilal said Open Call was launched after separate events held a few years earlier had been plagued by trouble.

He added: "I grew up during the Oldham riots and wanted to bring about change." He is the Greengate Trust chairman, runs the Unity Centre and appears on British Muslim TV.

• Check out more pictures from the Open Call festival on our picture sales page.