Thousands of people will head to Trafalgar Square this Saturday (2nd August) for the annual Eid Festival, organised by the Mayor of London, in celebration of the end of Ramadan.
The event is open to people from all communities and faiths, with a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including stage entertainment, arts and crafts, exhibitions, calligraphy, henna, face painting and much more.
This year, visitors can expect a sumptuous array of fare from Muslim countries, with the inclusion of a global food festival, which will serve delicacies from across the Islamic world including Turkish, Egyptian, Indonesian, Lebanese and Moroccan cuisines. There will also be a Malaysian food market and cooking demonstrations by the festival’s supporting partner Malaysian Kitchen.
A first for 2014 is a catwalk show featuring contemporary Arabic and Asian clothing by AsianBride Live and EBH (Events by Hajra). There will be an exclusive opportunity to see ‘Capture the Spirit of Ramadan’, the well-renowned exhibition of international photography about the essence of Ramadan.
Performing live are Nasheed artists and community groups from around London, including Saif Adam, Nazeel Azami, Indonesian Pelangi Nusantara dance group, Moroccan Sufi band, Tariq Khan and Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winner Shehnaz Akhtar.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “Muslims in London and around the world have been fasting as they observe the holy month of Ramadan. As they break the fast at Eid-ul-Fitr, it is a time for celebration. I urge all Londoners and tourists alike to come down and immerse themselves in the flavours, colours and culture of the city’s many Muslim communities. It’s a chance to join together and rejoice in the global diversity of the capital. Eid Mubarak!”
The Eid Festival is presented by the Mayor in association with the Eid Committee, a voluntary body made up of representatives from various Muslim community groups and organisations in London.
ZEE Network Europe CEO, Mr. Neeraj Dhingra said: We have been partnering with the Greater London Authority for the Eid festival for many years and are proud to be the media partner once again this year. In keeping with the mission statement of ZEE, 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which stands for 'The World is My Family', ZEE has always tried to connect with people from various parts of the world. Celebrating Eid with the people of London on the iconic Trafalgar Square is a great opportunity to build cultural ties and we value the opportunity given to us by the Mayor of London. Every year, we have been bringing renowned artists to perform at the event, and this year as well ZEE has some entertaining performances lined up by artists from both India and the UK.'
Lebara Group’s CEO, Yoganathan Ratheesan, said: ”We are really proud to be supporting an event that is close to the hearts of many of our customers and their loved ones. At Lebara, we actively strive to bring communities together, irrespective of where they live or their faith. Standing for the migrant community, Lebara is passionate about events like this that raise awareness and celebrates a diverse cultural London. Thank you to the Mayor of London and the other sponsors and supporters for bringing all of these great experiences to London.”
Khairul Nizam Moonier, Trade Commissioner for the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) says, “We are excited to be involved in the Eid Festival in London this year, showcasing the very best of Malaysian cuisine. There’s no better way to celebrate Eid than with Malaysian food. From Beef Rendang to Nasi Goreng and Chicken Satay, there’s something for everyone.”
To see the Mayor’s YouTube message go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9-L1a2vSY8&feature=youtu.be.
Event: Eid Festival
Location: Trafalgar Square
Date: Saturday 2nd August 2014
Time: 12pm-6pm
Entry: FREE
Information: www.london.gov.uk/eid
Notes to editors
Food festival
The Food Festival opens at 12:00 and the following exhibitors will be present:
Malaysia Kitchen will provide a popular food market with cooking demonstrations by their popular chef. Caterers include; Puji Puji, Dapur, Makan providing chicken satay, curry & rice dishes and noodles.
Trafalgar Square Café – Special celebratory ‘Eid High Tea’ with a variety of special savories and desserts and selections of Arabic teas and coffees.
Mani Caterers – Turkish kebabs, Turkish delight & baklava pastries
Koshari Street – Egyptian vegetarian cuisine,
Big Apple Hotdogs – Contemporary halal hot dogs for the Muslim audience.
Guptas- Indian cuisine and Thai dishes
Exotic Tagine - Moroccan cuisine
Shocka’s Coconut Hub - Coconut water
Thirst Solutions: Special flavoured lassis and Kulfi ice-cream
Hao Chi – Halal Dim Sum and oriental cuisine
Malaysia Kitchen: Malaysia Kitchen (www.malaysiakitchen.co.uk) is an initiative run by MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation), to promote Malaysian cuisine and restaurants, as well as the import of Malaysian ingredients in the UK. The program has worked with top UK chefs such as Tim Anderson and Ping Coombes, to encourage UK residents to add Malaysian dishes to their regular repertoire of dishes.
All details subject to change.