Thousands of British Muslims and non-Muslims gathered together for Eidul Fitr in the Square, with a galaxy of performers and speakers capturing the audience attention for over six hours, while food stalls ensured a diversity of dining options.

“Thank you very much for coming to the best square in the world, Trafalgar square, for Eid in the Square,” began Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.

“And the wonderful thing about Eid in the Square is that we have Londoners who are Muslim, who are Christian, who are Jewish, who are Buddhist, who are Hindus, who are Sikh, who are members of an organised faith, who aren’t (members of an organised faith), who are all coming together to celebrate Eid!

“For those of us who are Muslims we know that it was a very very long, and a very very hot, Ramadan. Those fasts were looooong. But the wonderful thing about those long fasts were the wonderful iftars.

Interfaith Spirit

“This year I had the pleasure of breaking my fast with Londoners: I opened my fast this year with a Chief Rabbi, I opened my fast this year with London’s new Bishop of London, I opened my fast this year with the leader of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Vincent Nichols. And this year I had the pleasure of going to the Ramadan tent project.

“And the wonderful thing about Ramadan is that many non-Muslims got to find out about our religion. We got a chance to share the values of London, break bread with non-Muslims, and earn some barakah (blessings) during the month of Ramadan.

“But you and I both know that unfortunately there are some people in this city, there are some people in this country, there are some people around the world, who portray a negative image of Islam. They try and sew the seeds of division, they try and divide communities, they try and turn people against one another. 

“Are we going to let them succeed? (audience replies: Nooooo). Are we going to let them divide our communities? (audience replies: Nooooo). And that’s why today is so important.

“You know the world is watching Trafalgar square. The world is watching Eid in the square. And its really important we enjoy this day.“