Organisers are claiming the third annual Global Peace and Unity Event is on course to be the biggest yet.

One of the key talking points will be the result of the Model Mosque' competition.

Birmingham's Green Lane mosque, which appeared in Channel Four's Dispatches', has made it to the final of the competition.

Despite the controversy, the mosque has won plaudits for its services to its local community.

Viewers of the Islam channel had been asked to submit their vote by text message. In addition, a judging panel of British Muslim figures cast their votes.

Birmingham's Green Lane mosque is joined in the final by Bradford mosque with the live final taking place on the Sunday of the two-day Global Peace & Unity Event.

Up to 60,000 people are expects at the extravaganza, one of the largest multicultural events of its kind in the United Kingdom.

There are a multitude of speakers and special guests from British life and over the two days including George Galloway, Vincent Cable and Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) as well as guests from abroad. Jermaine Jackson and Malikah Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X) will also be attending the event.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair will also make a video address.

A Nasheed concert will include an eclectic range of music from around the Muslim world.

Visiting Imam (teacher) Abu Usamah said, "For the Green Lane Masjid to be considered a Model Mosque is tremendous commemoration to all the efforts that went before we were targeted by people who tried to portray us as extremists.

"So the fact that our community and our Masjid is being considered for this honour shows that there is a level of exoneration and level of happening that comes from our hearts."

The annual Global Peace and Unity event will take place on 24 and 25 November at the Excell Centre, London.

5:30pm Thursday 22nd November 2007

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