Everyone welcome to celebrate Eid

21 Jul 2015 03:56 PM

Head for Trafalgar Square this Saturday for the annual Eid Festival as London celebrates the end of Ramadan.

Thousands of visitors are expected at the tenth anniversary of the free event which will feature live music, a bazaar, arts and crafts, exhibitions and food from around the world.

The festival, organised by the Mayor of London and with support from Lebara Mobile, Zee TV and the Embassy of the State of Qatar, is open to people from all communities and faiths.

For the first time, the Embassy of the State of Qatar will offer visitors a chance to experience the country's culture with an exhibition about the history of pearl diving, once an ancient trade in the Gulf region. People can also sample Qatari cuisine, Arabic coffee and dates, and try on traditional Qatari dress.

A catwalk show featuring Abayas and traditional and modern outfits from designers around the world and the chance to be photographed with a falcon, Qatar's national bird, are other highlights.

Festival-goers will be able to watch a concert by Shubbak, one of the largest biennial festivals of contemporary Arab culture. It will feature performances from Egypt's legendary alternative band Massar Egbari and Palestinian collective 47SOUL.

There will also be a guest appearance from writer Hajera Memon, who created the world's first pop-up and play book telling a story from the Holy Quran.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: 'As Muslims around the world break the fast following Ramadan, the Eid Festival brings together people from all communities for a wonderful celebration in the heart of the capital. The tenth anniversary makes it even more special and I urge Londoners and tourists alike to come down to Trafalgar Square to experience the many flavours, colours and culture of Islamic world. Eid Mubarak!'

Getting there: Charing Cross is the closest Tube station, use the Trafalgar Square exit. Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Embankment stations are all a short walk away.