THE borough's Baha'i community is coming together next weekend to celebrate the most important time in the faith's calendar.

The Festival of Ridvan takes place at 6pm on Sunday, April 22 at Beckenham Public Hall in Bromley Road, Beckenham.

Known as The Most Great Festival, Ridvan is a 12-day period from April 21 to May 2 celebrated by the world's six million strong Baha'i community.

Beckenham MP Colonel Bob Stewart will be the special guest at the event which hopes to be the first major gathering of its kind in south-east London.

Col Stewart said: "This is a really great festival which celebrates human life itself.

"I am very pleased to be taking part here in Beckenham."

Founded in 1844, the Baha'i faith is the youngest of the world's independent monotheistic religions.

For more information, visit bromleybahai.org.uk