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Eid in the Square 2024

Qawwali Group performing at Eid in the Square 2023

Please note that this event has already occured.

Key information

Date: Saturday 20 April 2024

Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm

Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB

Cost: Free

About the event

The Mayor of London’s free, annual festival returns to the capital’s iconic Trafalgar Square for the 19th year to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

Developed in partnership with the Eid Community Advisory Group and London based arts, culture and grass roots Muslim organisations, the festival brings communities, friends and families together to enjoy the celebrations. 

The Main Stage will be hosted by one of the fastest rising names in British comedy Ola Labib alongside TV, radio presenter and DJ, Yasser Ranjha.  Featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary acts including Muslim Belal, Indonesia Angklung Ensemble, Star Voices Children's Choir, Al Awde Zafa and Dabke Group, Members of the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians and, all the way from Pakistan, Chahat Mahmood Ali Qawwal and Group.

And we're pleased to be bringing back the Inspiring Muslim Awards, delivered in partnership with Mentyoo, celebrating unsung heroes from London’s community.

The Square will be awash with activities, markets stalls and a feast of global food stalls to tempt you with.  WAW Creative Arts Family Zone hosts calligraphy, storytelling, batik and Indonesian dance workshops. Halal Tourism Britain invites you on a tour around their Muslim Museum whilst Rumi's Cave DafZikir Drummers and Friends share intimate performances and stories from across the world. There’s a chance to meet Omar and Hana plus face painting and henna. We also welcome LightArtVR who are offering unique VR experiences. And we're delighted to welcome back Everyday Muslim who present the Identi-Tree live exhibition where you can record your own story, have your portrait taken and explore your heritage.  

A full rundown of the main stage programme, activities, caterers and all stalls can be found below. 

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors which this year includes Headline Charity Partner, Islamic Relief UK and Presenting Partners Western Union and Global Banking School.

It’s a busy event, so expect queues. There’ll be a search on entering the Square so please don’t bring large bags.  

We look forward to welcoming you to the festival. 

Eid Mubarak. 

Event programme

Hosted by Ola Labib and Yasser Ranjha, this year's line up includes:

  • Welcome Prayer - Imam Mahmood Ul Hussan
  • Takaleed
  • Indonesian Arts and Dance
  • Indonesia Angklung Ensemble
  • Call to Prayer – Imam Qari Mehmood ul Hussan
  • Inspiring Muslim Awards
  • Star Children’s Choir
  • Love’s Pilgrim
  • Q&A with Islamic Relief UK
  • Cultural Style Week – Uzbek Cultural Showcase
  • Chahat Mahmood Ali Qawwal and Group
  • Muslim Belal
  • Al Awde Zafa and Dabke Group
  • Members of the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians 

Everyday Muslim presents: The Identi-Tree Live Exhibition

  • Join us for an afternoon of discovery:
  • Share what being Muslim means to you.
  • Have a professional portrait picture taken.
  • Display your portrait on the Live Exhibition Tree display and become part of the Everyday Muslim archive.  
  • Take part in art workshops and discover what identity means to you.
  • Record your story on video for the archive.
  • Explore the exhibition and uncover the lives of Muslims in Britain.            

WAW Creative Arts Family Zone - Enjoy interactive storytelling sessions, listen to singing and poetry recitals. Learn how to wear a hijab and join one of the  calligraphy, batik and Indonesian dance workshops.       

Take time out in the Quiet Zone and add your Eid messages to the community mural olive tree. 

Rumi’s Cave - DafZikir Drummers and Friends - Enter the world of Rumi's Cave of live music, spoken word, prayers and stories from around the world. 

Alif New Beginnings – Look out for the beautiful Eid inspired walkabout performers throughout the day.

Halal Tourism Britain - Delve into the Muslim Museum of Britain, discover Victorian Muslims and join us on a guided tour to uncover Muslim connections around Trafalgar Square

Meet Omar and Hana and take a selfie with these iconic Islamic cartoon favourites.

Bubble Girl – Learn all about hijabs and how to wear them. 

Absorb yourself in unique VR experiences with LightArtVR.

Plus Face Painting and Henna and much more.

Male and Female Prayer Tents are situated on the North Terrace and you can browse an array of market stalls and tuck into some tasty treats from our global food offerings.

Find out more in the sections below.

Tuck into some tasty treats from across the globe:

  • Churros Garcia
  • Elvaquero
  • Flame & Grill
  • Halal German Sausage and Fries
  • KARA.PIN.CHA
  • Koreanese Corn Dog
  • Mr Bombay
  • Oh Babu
  • Oshpaz Ltd
  • Rukhsanas
  • Sheesh & Babs
  • Spice Shack
  • Thainese Street Food
  • Whippy Ices

 

Browse through an array of exciting stalls:

  • Association of Muslim Police
  • British Pakistan Foundation
  • Bubble Girl
  • Cycle Sisters
  • Desi Doll Company
  • Islamic Art Prints
  • KIRO
  • LDN Artistry Henna
  • LightArtVR London
  • London Muslim Health Network
  • London Tea Exchange
  • Mahiz Mehndi
  • Maryam Luong Face Painting
  • Mentyoo
  • Numa Estilo Handmade Jewellery
  • Quarto
  • Shaheen Salim – Maxi Skirts & Décor
  • Yunus Emre Institute London

Eid in the Square is proud to host the Inspiring Muslim Awards for the second year running and we are delighted to be partnering with Mentyoo, which offers free mentoring support to diverse young people.

These awards recognise and celebrate the talent and achievements of British Muslims across London. The aim is to create a cycle of support and inspiration to encourage future Muslim role models and high achievers.

This year, our theme is identity and the awards include:

The Identity Champion Award - This award celebrates those who highlight and address identity issues in their communities, including race, gender, faith, and disability. Nominees are recognised for their work to advance diversity and inclusion, and their powerful advocacy and leadership in this area.

The Identity Art Award - This award shines a spotlight on artists whose work is not only original, but challenges stereotypes and promotes social justice. Nominees are recognised for representing diverse identities, engaging audiences, and fostering dialogue around inclusivity and understanding.

The Identity Storyteller Award - This award recognises writers, filmmakers, and storytellers who challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and advocate for social justice. Nominees are evaluated on their storytelling, how they address identity issues, their work’s impact, and their commitment to genuine representation.

The Identity Community Award - This award honours those who have helped to foster diversity and inclusion within their communities. It’s about celebrating positive British Muslim stories, collaboration, and collective effort. Nominees are recognised for their commitment to inclusivity, the visible impact of what they do, and how they inspire unity and understanding.

Winners announced

Join us at 13.30pm on the day, when we'll be announcing the winners and inviting them to join us on the stage to receive their prestigious awards.  

If you're interested in performing, running an activity or having a stall or food pitch in 2025, we'd love to hear from you.   

Please contact [email protected]

Feedback Survey

Thank you for taking part in this short survey about Eid in the Square. The results of this research will help us understand in more detail your experience of the event.

The research is being carried out by Walnut Unlimited, an independent research company. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.

As a thank you for your time we will enter you into a prize draw, with 1st place being £250, 2nd place being £150 and 3rd place being £100. The prize will be awarded as a digital Amazon or Love2Shop voucher – you will get to choose if you are selected as the winner.


Sponsors

A big thank you to our sponsors for this year:

Headline Charity Partner - Islamic Relief UK

Presenting Partners - Western Union and Global Banking School 

Set in London's iconic Trafalgar Square and welcoming over 20,000 people, Eid in the Square is a wonderful opportunity to promote your organisation. If you are interested in hearing about our sponsorship packages for 2025 please contact [email protected] 

Meet our Eid Community Advisory Group

Sabah Gilani OBE

Sabah is the Chief Executive of the Better Community Business Network (BCBN), a grant-giving charity which has distributed 1.4 million to over 70 charities across the UK. She has led various initiatives through BCBN, including an ex-offender housing project, launching the Muslim Fostering Network and founding the Muslim Mind collaborative. Sabah hosts the Muslim Mind podcast series which provides key learning and insights for system leaders and commissioners of mental health services. Sabah received an OBE in 2020 for her work with Muslim youth. Find out more on their website.

Shelina Janmohamed

Shelina is the Vice President of Islamic Marketing at Ogilvy, author of the bestselling memoir Love In A Headscarf, a news columnist and broadcaster. Shelina was named as one the UK’s 100 most influential Muslim women. Make sure you look out for her latest book for girls which was published last year called: BeYOUtiful. Find out more on their website.                                             

Ima Miah

Ima Miah is the CEO of the Asian Resource Centre of Croydon. Find out more on their website.

Suraya Miah

A dedicated and compassionate newly qualified social worker, Suraya specialises within a range of disciplines including youth activism, research, and community outreach within Camden and on a pan-London level. She represents a number of authority and charitable organisations, working to support a range of different communities. She is particularly interested in exploring her own heritage and background as a south-Asian Muslim living in London, and aspires to do this in a space that celebrates such diverse cultures. Find out more on her Linked in page.

Ashraf Moallim

Ashraf has worked in all aspects of television production as both a producer and head of production. Work in broadcast and independent projects has taken Ashraf to several African countries and across Europe. Her work in TV, vide and new media has always been informed by a passionate belief that storytelling can be a powerful impetus for common good and unity. Ashraf has mentored young creatives, teaching workshops across the country and now specialises in the development of branding and creative content production for international and faith based communities and organisations.  Find out more on her linked in page. 

Omar Salha

Omar Salha FRSA is the Founder and Chief Executive of Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning charity with a mission of bringing communities together to better understand each other. Find out more on their website.

Azmat Suleman

Events and engagement manager with a passion for interfaith and intercultural events. Find out more on their LinkedIn profile.

Rukhsana Yaqoob

Rukhsana is an independent Education Consultant and Leadership Coach who taught mainly in Waltham Forest schools, then nationally to raise the attainment of underachieving Muslim pupils. As a national advisor, school governor, non- executive director and President of the Muslim Teachers’ Association, Rukhsana leads with passion, commitment and pragmatism. She is co-chair of Nisa-Nashim teachers’ group for Muslim and Jewish women, a school governor, on the Waltham Forest SACRE, part of Consortium for Muslim Professionals and President of the Muslim Teachers Association. In 2022 the Queen awarded Rukhsana an MBE for her services to education.  Find out more at Muslim Teachers Association.

We are currently looking for a few new members to support and steer the GLA to deliver Eid in the Square successfully for London and its communities over the coming years.

We are seeking a diverse range of people who:

  • represent London-wide Muslim communities and organisations
  • live and or work in London
  • understand Muslim traditions (old and new)
  • have knowledge of Muslim culture, and events in London and strong community and networking connections.

We are particularly interested in hearing from: 

  • Representatives from the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe
  • People with strong links to organisations and sponsors who might be interested in partnership opportunities  
  • People with a good understanding/strong links with Muslim culture/music scene to help with programming 
  • Younger representatives (16 – 24) with good connections  
  • People with strong Muslim networks and marketing capabilities.

No formal experience is required but ideally you will be a representative of an organisation or membership body, feel comfortable being part of a diverse group, and be willing to listen to others and commit to several meetings each year. 

Could this be you?  If you'd like to find out more please email [email protected] 

Plan your visit

Accessible facilities at Trafalgar Square

  • Wheelchair accessible public toilets are available on the lower terrace of Trafalgar Square. This is on the west side of the square to the left of the central staircase. These will be open and free of charge during the event.

Additional accessible facilities for Eid in the Square

  • All staff and stewards will be briefed on disability awareness.
  • Event stewards will be available to help wheelchair users travelling between the upper (north terrace) and the lower terrace levels of Trafalgar Square.
  • The accessible viewing area will be at the top of the central staircase. Some seating will be available for companions within the viewing area, and for those less able to stand. An area with hearing loop will be available.
  • A RevoLOOtion wheelchair accessible portable toilet will be provided on the north west corner of Trafalgar Square (on the upper terrace). The mobile toilet has a hoist and changing table. Mobiloo users needing to use the hoist must bring their own sling with them. This is for your own safety and convenience – and to prevent any cross-contamination between different users. Further details can be found on the RevoLOOtion website.
  • BSL Interpreters will be present on the main stage. A picture in picture will also be displayed in the right hand corner of the 25ft screen which is positioned on the left side of the main stage.

Accessible transport

Bus

  • Routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176 and 453.
  • All these routes lead to Trafalgar Square. However, 9 and 15 are heritage buses and do not have a low-floor.
  • Visit the TfL website for more information on buses.

Tube

  • The nearest Underground station with step-free access from platform to street level is Westminster. This is served by the Jubilee, District and Circle lines. Outside Westminster station buses 12, 24, 88 or 453 have low-floor buses which call at a stop within 150m of Trafalgar Square.
  • Charing Cross Underground station is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines. It is the closest Tube station. However, it does not have step-free access.
  • Visit the TfL website for accessible Tube maps.

National Rail

  • The nearest railway station is Charing Cross. It is 325 metres away, approximately three minutes’ walk. Charing Cross rail station offers step-free access and a step-free route to Trafalgar Square.

Dial-a-ride

  • Find out about registering and pre-booking Dial-a-ride services.

Accessible parking

The nearest Blue Badge parking spaces to Trafalgar Square are:

  • St Martin’s Street – five spaces - 321 metres from Trafalgar Square
  • Suffolk Street – one space - 644 metres from Trafalgar Square
  • Spring Gardens – one space - 321 metres from Trafalgar Square

To find other blue badge parking bays nearby, please search the City of Westminster’s website using the postcode WC2N 5DN.

To see where the bays are, click the ‘View results on a map’ button on the search results page.