WORCESTER'S Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid with hundreds of worshippers expected to visit the city's mosque.

Because of the celebrations, a Muslim leader warns there will be a reduced taxi service in the city as some drivers mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Haris Saleem, chairman of the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, said Muslim drivers had tried to balance the demands of their faith with their professional commitments to minimise disruption.

Worcester News: EID: Mohammed Shakeel of Woober - taxi drivers will be running a reduced service as they celebrate Eid EID: Mohammed Shakeel of Woober - taxi drivers will be running a reduced service as they celebrate Eid (Image: Supplied)

Hundreds of worshippers are expected to attend the Tallow Hill mosque in Worcester tomorrow (Wednesday) as they offer prayers for Eid which marks the end of a month of fasting.

There are three different prayer congregations to accommodate worshippers at the mosque.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan, beginning at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon.

This year Eid is tomorrow (Wednesday) when Muslims offer prayers, celebrate, organise receptions and private visits, greet one another, give presents and visit the graves of relatives.

Worcester News: HOLY: Haris Saleem, vice-chairman of the Worcester Taxi Drivers' Association and chairman of the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, is one of many Muslim taxi drivers who will be marking Eid HOLY: Haris Saleem, vice-chairman of the Worcester Taxi Drivers' Association and chairman of the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, is one of many Muslim taxi drivers who will be marking Eid (Image: Supplied)

Mr Saleem, also vice-chairman of the Worcester Taxi Driver Association, said many city Muslims would spend the day at prayer at the mosque and meeting with family and friends as part of a day of celebrations.

He said: "We gather in the mosque to offer prayers and then after that we meet family and friends in each other's houses."

Tallow Hill Mosque has three congregations at 7am, 8.30am and 10am. Mr Saleem said some taxi services, including school contracts, would be unaffected and that work demands would be balanced with the Eid celebrations.

"There will be a massively reduced taxi service on the day.

"Bookings might take longer and there will be less of a service in Worcester city centre.

"However, there are also many drivers who are not Muslims and they will carry on. Many non-Muslims will still be working," he said.

A spokesperson for Woober, a city based taxi firm serving the Midlands, said: "Eid is around the corner. 

"Our drivers will be celebrating with their families, so there may be limited availability. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure a smooth service.

"Rest assured, we will soon be back to full capacity, keeping our promise to Worcester residents."