Eid in the Square celebrations return to Trafalgar Square

Sadiq Khan has announced that Eid in the Square returns to the capital on Saturday 29 April.

The free annual celebration, following the end of Ramadan, returns for its 18th year and will be hosted by comedian Ali Official and British model and filmmaker Mariah Idrissi.

The theme this year celebrates family, education and innovation and Londoners and visitors can immerse themselves in the best of Islamic inspired art, history and culture with contemporary and traditional performances on the main stage alongside a feast of food stalls from across the world.

The family friendly event will run from noon to 6pm and features an afternoon of live performances, including award winning Afrofusion artist MoYah, Khan Brothers Qawwali Group, The Silk Road Collective and Somalian RnB legend FaceSoul.

There will be a spectacular grand finale with stunning costumes as the Colours of Eid parade meanders through the main square led by Dhol drummers.

This year will see for the first time, the Inspiring Muslim Awards, where unsung heroes from London’s community, nominated by locals, are celebrated.

There will be a range of activities for all the family, including calligraphy, storytelling, drama and poetry workshops with WAW Creative Arts, fencing sessions with Muslim Girls Fence, moon sighting workshops with New Crescent Society plus mehndi and facepainting. There will also be an opportunity to take a family selfie with characters Omar & Hana.

Halal Tourism Britain will uncover Muslim tales of Trafalgar Square, while there will be a chance to listen to London poets, comedians and singers in Rumi Cave’s Open Mic tent. Everyday Muslim are hosting a photographic exhibition and family history workshop, and visitors can bring down their own photos to be scanned into the Muslim archive.

There’s also an array of stalls including Desi Doll Company, Yunus Emre Institute and London Muslim Health Network plus food stalls from across the world including Hooya East, Mr Bombay, Pabellon and The Spice Shack.

Eid in the Square is developed in partnership with the Eid Community Advisory Group and London based arts, culture and grassroots Muslim organisations.

Khan said, “I am delighted to once again celebrate Eid in the Square with Londoners and visitors from all faiths and backgrounds. There will be fantastic entertainment for all the family, showcasing the very best of London’s Muslim communities and celebrating their immense contribution to the capital. Our city’s greatest strength is our diversity and celebrating the end of Ramadan together is another example of how we are building a better and fairer London for everyone.”

Islamic Relief UK Director, Tufail Hussain, said, “Islamic Relief is delighted to be once again partnering with Eid in the Square this year to celebrate Eid and the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This is a brilliant event, and we look forward to seeing all communities in London coming together to enjoy this festive occasion.

“Eid is a wonderful opportunity to thank British Muslims for their incredible generosity and support for charitable causes and we thank the Mayor of London for organising what will be a special and memorable day for all to enjoy.”

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global said, “ZEE5 Global is happy to be collaborating with the Mayor of London for the Eid celebration this year. As the world’s largest South Asian entertainment streaming platform, we believe in bringing the best of entertainment to our viewers that celebrates culture and diversity and brings people together. We are excited to present a special and memorable event for all the diverse communities in London to enjoy this Eid and thank the Mayor for his wonderful initiative.”