London Marks Ramadan with Unity and Illuminated West End

People who have recently embraced Islam joined thousands of worshippers and visitors in central London as the city marked the start of Ramadan with a major public celebration in the West End.

At a ceremony in Leicester Square, Sadiq Khan officially switched on more than 30,000 Ramadan lights, using the moment to call for unity across faiths and to highlight the growing diversity of the capital’s Muslim community, including new converts inspired by the holy month.

Declaring, “Let’s show the best of London, let’s show the best of Britain, and let’s show the best of Islam,” Mr Khan urged communities to stand together during what he described as a period of political and social tension.

“I call on Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Sikhs, those of organised religions and those that aren’t, come together during this month of Ramadan,” he said.

Ramadan lights illuminate London’s West End

The annual Ramadan display in London’s West End features LED lights inspired by Islamic geometric patterns and the lunar rhythms that shape the fasting month. Throughout Ramadan, the installation reads “Happy Ramadan” before changing to “Happy Eid” later in the month.

Addressing concerns over Islamophobia and wider divisions, Khan said: “One of the jobs we have during this month of Ramadan, whether you are Muslim or non-Muslim, is to show that London is the antidote to that hatred. We are the antithesis of everything they believe in.”

“London is the antidote to hatred — we are the antithesis of everything they believe in.”

He also encouraged Muslims observing Ramadan to remember people affected by conflict in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine through prayer and charitable giving.

Aziz Foundation leads fourth year of celebrations

The landmark display is organised and funded by the Aziz Foundation, which has spearheaded the initiative for four consecutive years as part of efforts to celebrate Muslim culture and promote inclusion in public spaces.

Rahima Aziz, BEM, trustee of the foundation, said the lights represent a shared civic celebration for all Londoners.

“It’s incredible what these lights represent,” she said. “We share these streets. We share this city. London is a city for everyone. Ramadan is something for everyone to enjoy.”

“We share these streets. We share this city. London is a city for everyone.”

Now in its fourth year, the Ramadan lights have attracted visitors from across the UK, with families travelling from cities such as Birmingham and Manchester to see the installation.

Aziz acknowledged that the project has faced criticism online but said community support has remained strong.

“In recent years, whenever the switch-on happens, there can be negative comments and polarising views online,” she said. “But what gives us resilience is the outpouring of support from the community, Muslim and non-Muslim alike.”

At a time when Islamophobia is reported at elevated levels nationally, organisers and city leaders said the display is intended as a visible statement of solidarity.

As Aziz concluded: “Ramadan is a time of peace, community and charity. With everything going on in the world, we must hold on to those universal values. That’s what these lights stand for.”

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