- Culture & Events
Observing Ramadan 2025 in London
London is known for the rich, vibrant and diverse communities that make the city their home.
One of the largest groups that call the city home is the Muslim community. With over 1,300,000 Muslims reported in the 2021 census of Greater London it makes it the second largest religion in the city just behind Christianity. One of the most important celebrations in the religion is Ramadan and the following Eid al-Fitr. Every year the ninth month of the Islamic calendar Muslims in London and around the world come together to observe this celebration as a commemoration of Muhammads first revelation.
In 2025 Ramadan will begin on the evening of the 28th February and will end on the 30th March, with Eid al-Fitr concluding the end of Ramadan by breaking the fast. Throughout the city Muslim communities come together to observe Ramadan. With the diversity of London even non-Muslim people and companies partake in aspects of Ramadan to celebrate together with the Muslim community. Here are some of the ways that Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are celebrated in London.
London is one of the most diverse cities in the world.
It is a place where history blends with modern culture and diversity.
The Ramadan Lights London display from the previous year.
Ramadan Lights London
In 2023 Ramadan Lights made history, being the first ariel Ramadan Lights display in Western Europe.
In 2023 Ramadan Lights made history, being the first ariel Ramadan Lights display in Western Europe. Shining above one of London’s busiest areas, Piccadilly Circus has been home to the lights celebrating Ramadan with its return in 2024, and now making its return in 2025. The 30,000 LEDS that make up the displays have serves as a symbol of unity, harmony and the vibrant multicultural spirit that makes London. Not only does it celebrate the whole of Ramadan but when it concludes, overnight the displays are transformed to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which makes it the first light installation in a major European city to celebrate Eid.
‘Spread the Light’ Interactive Installation
Alongside the Ramadan Lights in Piccadilly Circus, There is an additional Interactive Installation that will be installed in Leicester Square. Visitors will be able to press a button that will send beams of light soaring up the surrounding buildings. This is a visual representation of the spirit of Ramadan. With a variety of traditional geometric pattens, stars and more that will light up the square with the spirit of Ramadan. Find out more about the Ramadan Lights and the interactive installation here: Ramadan Lights London
Iftar
Iftar is the fast-breaking evening meal that Muslims have during Ramadan.
This meal is often spent together with friend and family. It has a strong community link and promotes the interconnection between all. In London there are many events to celebrate Iftar. Even restaurants that are not completely halal may host events and special promotions to encourage celebrations of Ramadan. You may find Iftar events online or from local Mosques and Muslim community centers. Here are some examples.
The Big Iftar
Every year since 2018 the largest mosque in Europe Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, South London has been hosting the Big Iftar.
This has been an event that helps build the community and also educate and engage, those that are not part of the religion to create the diversity that London is known for. The event has a range of activities such as a National Fasting Challenge, Q/A Session and a three course Iftar Meal. In celebration of Ramadan, the big Iftar is a welcoming event that is free and encourages everyone from any background to join in and celebrate this important time for Muslims. Find out more about the great event here: The Big Iftar
Celebrating Eid in London is a fantastic time with all the different events hosted across the city.
Eid al-Fitr Events
As the Ramadan concludes Eid al-Fitr commences as the celebration for breaking the fast.
Beginning at sunset at the first sighting of the crescent moon, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated usually for 1-3 days depending on the country. Here in London there are events hosted after Ramadan as a celebration of Eid.
1Eid East and West London
One of the larger festivals celebrating Eid in London, it is broken into two events one in East London and one in the West. Each are run by volunteers and usually features imams and other speakers accompanied by fun attractions and activities. It is a great way to celebrate the end of Ramadan as a community with a diverse group of attendees. The latest information on this event can be found here: 1Eid
London Eid Festival
Similar to 1Eid, the London Eid Festival is hosted in two locations in the Westfield Shopping centers in the East (Stratford) and the West (Shepherd’s Bush). It is described as the biggest Eid celebration in the world, running on after the other on consecutive weekends this time in April. It has a wide range of activities celebrating and showing off the culture and religion. From fashion, food and live entertainment, which includes comedians, traditional singers and dancing. The event details can be found here: London Eid
A Month of Reflection and Connections
All across London Muslim communities will host a variety of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr related events throughout the month long celebration.
The ones mentioned above are some of the more well known and established events but there will be many ranging in size. It is a fantastic way for Muslim students to connect with the local communities and also observe Ramadan as a group. To find out what local communities are doing you can reach out to your local mosque or community centers which may offer more detailed information. You can also find out more information about Ramadan in the UK by clicking here.
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