Muslims mark Eid festival with gathering in London

Thousands went to Trafalgar Square to celebrate

The crowd during the Eid in the Square festival in Trafalgar Square, London. Picture date: Saturday April 29, 2023. James Manning/PA

Thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square, London, on Saturday to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.

Festivities got under way at around midday with musicians, comedians and speakers taking to a stage at the foot of Nelson’s Column.

The event, hosted by comedian Ali Official and model Mariah Idrissi, began with a reading from the Quran from speaker Hassan Rasool.

“British Muslims often feel quite neglected from the media limelight, so to have an event solely representing us right in the heart of London and Trafalgar Square means so much," Mr Rasool, 30, said

“I think that blend of being British and being Muslim, and not having to choose which side you’re on is really represented here today.”

The celebratory atmosphere was tinged with sadness as performers offered prayers for the people of Sudan.

The events in Trafalgar Square take place a week after the date of Eid on April 21.

This year’s theme supported Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Love For Everyone campaign, which focuses on family and bringing communities together for the celebration.