In celebration of the end of Ramadan, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced plans for this year’s Eid Festival in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 9 July. Thousands of Londoners and visitors to the capital are expected to head to the free event, to sample music and food from around the world, alongside a variety of special activities.
The Eid Festival is open to all Londoners and visitors to the capital of all backgrounds and faiths, with an array of entertainment and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, including live performances, arts and crafts, exhibitions, calligraphy, henna, face painting and more. It follows the Mayor’s work to unite all of London’s communities during Ramadan, in a variety of events and interfaith Iftars across the city.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Eid Mubarak to Muslims here in London and around the world. This year’s Ramadan has been one of the longest fasts in over 30 years. Although it has been quite challenging, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past month, my first Ramadan as the Mayor of London. It has been a great opportunity to bring together London’s many communities – to me, that’s what Ramadan is all about.
“It is now more important than ever to unite as Londoners and extend our hands of friendship in light of the EU referendum, the recent surge in hate crime and the terrible atrocities in Istanbul. I encourage Londoners from all backgrounds and visitors to the city to come together at this year’s Eid Festival to celebrate the diversity and tolerance that is at the heart of our great city. It is set to be one of the best yet, with a brilliant line-up of performances, food and Islamic culture. Eid Mubarak!”
The focus of this year’s Eid Festival will be on the achievements of Muslim women in the creative industries, sport, art, fashion, business and other areas. As well as some top female talent on stage, there will be a ‘bazaar’ style market area, with stalls from SMEs and grassroots organisations owned by Muslim women. An assortment of clothing, jewellery, Islamic arts and crafts and books will be on offer.
Another highlight at Trafalgar Square is the international food market, with a wide selection of fine halal fare from around the world including Egyptian, Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, Indonesian, Moroccan, Malaysian and Palestinian.
There will be a huge mix of traditional and contemporary performances throughout the day with Nasheed artists including Saif Adam and Cheb Nacim. Bringing an international vibe to the festival will be a special
This year, the Eid Festival is supported by Lebara Mobile, Islamic Relief and The BBC Asian Network.
