Mayor’s Eid on the Square celebrations return to Trafalgar Square

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor, Shottobani

London: The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that Eid on the Square will return to the capital on Sunday, 8 June.

The free, family-friendly festival will mark Eid al-Adha as Trafalgar Square welcomes a variety of culture, food, entertainment and Islamic-inspired art.

Hosted by Deana Soni and Haroon Rashid, the main stage will feature traditional and contemporary performances, including celebrated Nasheed artist Mesut Kurtis, Chand Ali Khan Qawwal & Group, the Indonesian Angklung Ensemble featuring H.E. Dr Desra Percaya, and children’s favourites Omar & Hana.

Halal Tourism Britain are running guided walking tours and presenting a pop-up Muslim Museum of Britain. There will be workshops, including drumming, coconut leaf weaving, calligraphy, and poetry, at the WAW Creative Arts Family Zone. Meanwhile, Rumi’s Cave – Spearhead Creatives will host an interactive tent that blends comedy, music, and creative writing.

There will be the chance to meet Omar & Hana, browse market stalls offering books, crafts and jewellery, and indulge in delicious dishes from Uzbek and Afghan cuisine to Korean fried chicken, churros and much more.

The event runs from noon to 6pm and is delivered in partnership with the Eid Community Advisory Group.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said, “Eid on the Square is one of the highlights of our capital’s cultural calendar and I’m delighted that this year’s programme is bursting with talent and creativity. The event provides a wonderful opportunity for Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds to unite and celebrate the huge contribution Muslim Londoners make to our city. Together we can continue to show that our diversity is our greatest strength, as we build a better London for everyone. Eid Mubarak!”

Ima Miah, on behalf of the Eid on the Square Community Advisory Group, said, “We’re proud to have worked closely with the Mayor of London to shape this year’s Eid on the Square – a celebration created with the community at its heart. This event reflects the diversity, creativity and generosity of London’s Muslim communities and we’re excited to welcome everyone to share in the joy, culture and spirit of Eid al-Adha in one of the city’s most iconic spaces.”