This film is part of Free
Moslem Festival at Woking
Beautifully clear scenes of Eidal-Fitr celebrations at Britain's first purpose-built mosque, the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking.
Overview
These crystal-clear newsreel scenes show the annual Eid al-Fitr celebration taking place at the Shah Jahan Mosque - also known as Woking Mosque - the first to be purpose-built in Britain. In the 1920s, these celebrations drew a fantastic crowd, attracting dignitaries from India and worshippers from around the UK. We see men gathered in prayer outside the mosque itself - an imposing backdrop.
In the early 1920s, Britain was home to an estimated Muslim population of 10,000. Built in 1889, the Shah Jahan Mosque remained the central hub for Britain's Muslim community for the first half of the 20th century. Its annual Eid al-Fitr celebration frequently attracted the attention of Britain's newsreel companies - see also Feast of Eid-ul-Fitr (1924) and An Oriental Atmosphere (1928).
Related
Feast of Eid-ul-Fitr Feast of Eid-ul-Fitr
Non-Fiction 1924 1 mins Silent Location: Woking
The UK's first purpose-built mosque welcomes a huge crowd of worshippers - and newsreel cameras!
Moslems in Britain - Places Moslems in Britain - Places
Documentary 1964 23 mins Location: Woking
Visit the places important to London's Muslim community in this informative short documentary.
Training drills and parades in Woking Training drills and parades in Woking
Amateur film 1943 19 mins Silent Location: Woking
Woking's Home Guard strut their stuff in this sensational mix of training film and social record - with weapons, explosions, rope bridges and lots of climbing over barbed wire.
Home Front and Home Guard - Wartime Woking Home Front and Home Guard - Wartime Woking
Amateur film 1938 10 mins Silent Location: Woking
Woking gears up for war in this remarkable film about the Home Guard and its contribution to the town.
Woking reaches its target and military marches Woking reaches its target and military marches
Amateur film 1944 16 mins Silent Location: Woking
Over £680,000 is raised by Wartime Woking in this film from 1944 which features women on parade, Air Training Corps cadets and the Home Guard.
The National Fire Service in Woking and a Pump Relay competition in Guildford The National Fire Service in Woking and a Pump Relay competition in Guildford
Amateur film 1942 7 mins Silent Location: Woking
Men of the NFS demonstrate their fire fighting equipment skills before an audience in this splendid colour film from 1942. And the best crews get the best prizes.
Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A) Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 45 mins
Afrika Bambaataa and DJ, musician and filmmaker Don Letts discuss the development of Afrofuturism and its key artists.
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland
Inside Film 2012 27 mins
L.A. Confidential's screenwriter explains why he thinks writer's block is a myth, and reveals Clint Eastwood's unique powers of persuasion.
Olivier Assayas (Masterclass) Olivier Assayas (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2010 41 mins
Irma Vep writer/director Assayas moved from film journalism to filmmaking – a fascinating journey told with disarming honesty to Jonathan Romney.