London celebrates Eid in the Square

Mayor organised event with London-based Muslim organisations

A woman poses with a performer during Eid in the Square celebrations in Trafalgar Square, London. Reuters

A dancer performs as part of Cultural Style Week during 'Eid in the Square' celebrations in Trafalgar Square, London, Britain, April 20, 2024. REUTERS / Hollie Adams

Performers from Cultural Style Week. PA

Members of the public attend Eid in the Square celebrations. PA

Eid in the Square is a free annual celebration in Trafalgar Square. PA

London Mayor Sadiq Khan poses for a photo with Harris Farid, 7. Reuters

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes a selfie taken during the Eid celebrations. PA

The mayor of London has celebrated Eid by watching comedians and musicians in Trafalgar Square.

Sadiq Khan was photographed taking selfies with smiling people before and after he addressed crowds from the stage in central London.

It was the 19th annual Eid in the Square festival marking the end of Ramadan.

Eid in the Square’s main stage was hosted by British comedian Ola Labib and Capital Xtra DJ Yasser Ranjha.

Performers from Cultural Style Week, described as a “movement created to celebrate the beauty of culture” invited people from various backgrounds to “wear their heritage”.

One wore a golden outfit with a large crescent moon over their head.

The Indonesia Angklung Ensemble played angklungs, an instrument made from bamboo tubes that each play one note.

Rapper and actor Muslim Belal was billed to perform, as well as the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians.

The line-up also included Pakistan’s Chahat Mahmood Ali Qawwal group, and there were market stalls offering food and the opportunity to learn about calligraphy, storytelling and Indonesian dance.

Mr Khan organised the event with London-based Muslim organisations and the Eid Community Advisory Group, to bring together communities, friends and families to celebrate.