Southampton’s annual Eid Festival,organized by Project Hidayah, has been pushed back to June 27 after violent protests erupted following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak. The decision comes amid clashes between demonstrators, police injuries and a planned far‑right march, prompting officials to deem the original Saturday date unsafe.

Vickrum Digwa’s 21‑Year Minimum Sentence Triggers City‑wide Unrest

Digwa, a Sikh man, received a mandatory minimum of 21 years in prison for stabbing Henry Nowak to death in December, a verdict that ignited protests on Tuesday. according to the source , rioters threw bottles and bricks, set bins ablaze, and tried to storm Digwa’s home, leaving eleven officers injured and prompting charges against eleven men for violent disorder and weapons offences.

Far‑right Southampton Patriots Plan D‑Day March and Nowak Vigil

The Southampton Patriots, a far‑right group, announced a march for Saturday that will coincide with the D‑Day anniversary and include a vigil for Henry Nowak, framing the event as a stand against what they call “two‑tier justice.” Their planned presence added to the volatile atmosphere, prompting MP Darren Paffey to warn outsiders to stay away and to call for calm.

Project Hidayah Cites Safety in Postponing the Eid Festival

Project Hidayah, the Muslim community group behind the Festival of Eid in the Park, said consultations with police and venue partners led to the postponement,emphasizing that safety was the top priority. The rescheduled event will still feature market stalls, live music , martial‑arts workshops and a Nasheed performance by Hamzah Khan, according to the organizer’s statement.

Community Anxiety Spreads Beyond the Festival Site

Tim Tofts, chair of Southampton’s Council of Faiths, warned that Sikh residents now fear leaving their homes, reflecting a broader climate of fear after earlier cancellations of a Sikh celebration and a funeral home tribute to Gian Singh‑Chungh. the source notes that residents described “terror” during the unrest, citing smashed car windows and property damage.

Who Remains Unaccounted for in the Aftermath?

While eleven men have been charged,the source indicates one individual denied assaulting a police officer, and investigations into alleged police misconduct—specifically the handcuffing of the dying Henry—remain ongoing.. The lack of clarity around these allegations leaves a key piece of the story unresolved.