A planned protest against incidents of the desecration of the Quran went ahead despite heavy rain.

Crowds turned out on Sunday (July 23) in front of Blackburn Town Hall to hear from a range of speakers who called for "peace and understanding" between communities.

The protest was in response to the burning of the Quran in Sweden on Eid.

But then days ago another incident of Quran burning in Denmark led to a further outcry across the Islamic world.

The gathering was hosted by Rizwan Nawid and Naseem Khan, who is also known to many as Nas-T.

Speakers included Hafiz Molana Zulfiqar Ali Raza, Molana Usman Saqibi, Mufti  Nizamuddin and Mufti Muhammad Saeed Ahmad Mujaddidi.

Organisers said: “We would like to thank everyone who turned out despite the heavy rain to show their love for the Quran.

“The purpose of the event was to say that no holy scripture should be desecrated let alone burned.

“Our message was of peace harmony and love.

“Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to organise this event at such short notice.”

Asian Image: A protest against the burning of the Quran took place outside Blackburn town hall

Asian Image: A protest against the burning of the Quran took place outside Blackburn town hall

Following the most recent incident in Denmark, the Danish government on Saturday condemned the burning of Islam's holy book.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said: “It is a shameful act to violate the religion of others.

“This applies both to the burning of Qurans and other religious symbols. It has no other purpose than to provoke and create division.”

On June 28, a man originally from Iraq ripped up and burned a Quran outside Stockholm Mosque

It also let to numerous requests to burn holy books in Sweden.

Last week, another man who was expected to burn the Torah and the Bible outside the Israeli embassy said he no intention to carry out the act and only wanted to hold a demonstration against desecrating holy books.

Asian Image: A protest against the burning of the Quran took place outside Blackburn town hall

Organisers wished to thank all the volunteers and local councillors for their support and Farook Azam, Asif, Mohamamd Patel and Ahmed.

Th sound system was kindly provided by Taz Malik and DJ Tm and the gazebos were donated by Mohammed Urgadar of the Catering Company. Fida also assisted with security on the day.