We haven’t had the chance to come together in central London for the Mayor’s annual Eid celebrations since 2019 - but this weekend, they’ll be back with a bang.
To mark the end of Ramadan, and to have one almighty feast after a month of fasting, some of the city’s best food traders will come together to serve up a storm, from Uzbek street food to churros and donuts.
And that’s not all, with musical performers, interactive activities and plenty more to explore.
Here’s what you need to know about Eid in the Square.
When and where is Eid in the Square?
Things will take place in Trafalgar Square from midday until 6pm on Saturday May 7. It’s free for all to attend.
Who will be performing?
Actor, filmmaker and presenter Mistah Islah will host the Main Stage alongside broadcaster Mehreen Baig, with a line-up of music, comedy, dance, poetry and more to be enjoyed throughout the day.
Turkish oud maestro Baha Yektin will perform with his Sufi Ensemble, while the funky sound of Somalia will come courtesy of Dur-Dur Band. Spoken word poet Hussain Manawer is also on the bill, as are comedy sketch favourites The Halalians.
The full main stage line-up is below:
- Arfoud Brothers and Sisters
- Baha Yetkin Sufi Ensemble
- Nafees Irfan & Qalandar Qawwali Band
- Grace and Poise Academy
- Hussain Manawer
- Hawiyya Dance Company
- Nusaiba Mohammad Timol
- The Halalians
- Dur-Dur Band
- Star Children’s Choir
What will there be to eat?
A feast worthy of the end of Ramadan will also be in order, and a variety of food stalls will be on hand to deliver the goods. Indian street food will come courtesy of Mr Bombay, while a taste of Uzbek street food will be served by Oshpaz. Elsewhere, producer Naughty Boy will flex his culinary muscles with his pop-up, run in collaboration with Spice Village.
The full list of food traders is:
- Bamboo House
- The Street Food
- Oh Babu
- Pebellon
- Mr Bombay
- Berlin Doner Kebabs
- Exotic Tagine
- The German Sausage Co
- Go Habibi - Street Grills
- OshPaz Uzbek Street Food
- Ice cream
- Hooyo East
- Donuts and Churros
- Naughty Boy Kitchen in partnership with Spice Village
What else is going on?
There will be all sorts of other activities dotted around the square, from face painting stalls and Eid-costumed performers, to the chance to pick up Islamic art prints, or take part in football sessions run by Sisterhood FC.
Here’s the full rundown:
- Alif New Beginnings - Eid costumed walkabout performers
- British Pakistan Foundation and Mentyoo
- Darussalam toys and Islamic books
- Desi Doll Company
- Halal Tourism Britain - bite-sized tours revealing Muslim Stories of Trafalgar Square
- Islamic Art Prints
- London Muslim Health Network
- Mahiz Mehndi
- Metropolitan Police Services and Association of Muslim Police
- Maryam Luong Face Painting
- Muslim Girls Fence - interactive fencing lessons for all
- Muslim Scout Fellowship - interactive activities
- Numbi Arts - Somali Mobile Museum
- Shade 7 Publishing / Kidwise - Phases of the Moon - Science Workshops
- Sisterhood FC - interactive football sessions for all
- Vennuss Clothing
- WAW Creative Arts Zone - calligraphy, art wall, storytelling and drama workshops
- Yunus Emre Institute London
