Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr in London? There is no shortage of things to do
As many from the Gulf head to the cooler climes of the UK for their summer holidays, here is a fun-filled guide to the country’s Eid events
IT is that time of year again when many Middle Easterners swap the desert heat of home for the cooler climes of the UK. This year, the start of the Arab tourist season in the UK coincides with Eid Al-Fitr and there is no shortage of festivities to attend.
With a population of roughly 3 million British Muslims in the country, cities across the UK are set to host an array of events for the weeklong celebrations that mark the end of Ramadan. Here are a few of the attractions and events not to be missed if you have booked yourself a summer trip to the country.
Festival fun
The much-loved Eid in the Square festival is back. Since being launched in 2006, it has become one of London’s key cultural highlights in the capital’s events calendar. The event will be held on July 2 in Trafalgar Square and is free to attend.
Thousands are expected to descend on the square as an exciting line-up of events has been scheduled. UK-based nasheed artist Saif Adam, famous for his Islamic songs, as well as contemporary and traditional acts from across the world, will be performing on the main stage. There will also be a global food market offering cuisines from Malaysia, Turkey, South Asia and Lebanon, as well as calligraphy activities and henna services.
Mass prayer gatherings
Several outdoor locations have become sites for thousands of congregants to take part in Eid prayers. Both Birmingham and London host Eid in the Park events which see many Muslims take part in mass prayers. If you want to head to what is commonly described as the largest Eid celebration in Europe, Birmingham’s Small Heath Park is expected to host more than 60,000 people during its Eid festivities.
With prayers commencing at 9:30 a.m., the day of activities includes a funfair, bazaar and minigolf, as well as laser clay pigeon shooting.
If the weather does not permit outdoor prayers to take place, there’s always the option of attending Eid in Excel. A new event added to the array of festivities taking place during the week of celebrations, London’s largest exhibition center will be hosting an Eid prayer event alongside familyfriendly activities.
Itching to explore?
If the idea of exploring locations of historical significance is more up your street, you can always book yourself onto a guided tour hosted by Muslim History Tours, which will be running a special Eid tour on July 2. The tour will showcase famous landmarks in London and reveal the often-untold history of Muslims in the city. The special Eid tour will be co-led by spoken-word artist Liam AbdulRaheem Spencer.
Retail therapy
While London may be a favorite of Arab tourists because of Harrods and the glittering diamond stores in Mayfair, the city of Manchester is fast becoming a popular destination for shoppers from the Middle East.
Manchester’s intu shopping center at Old Trafford is inviting customers to celebrate Eid from June 23 to June 25 with sitar players, tabla drummers and harp musicians set to entertain the crowds while younger family members can enjoy henna services and bhangra dance shows.
Retail tourism in the UK continues to benefit from buyers from the Middle East spending on luxury items.
The spike in Arab shoppers during the summer months has become a noticeable feature in the UK, especially boosted by the weaker rate of the pound. City A.M. newspaper recently reported that “travelers from Middle Eastern nations spend more per transaction than other tourists with an average spend of £1,101 ($1397).”
With big spenders from the Middle East taking retail therapy to a whole new level, Shiraz Ahmad from Unitas Communications, a cross cultural communications agency, explains how this is encouraging retailers to be more cognizant of festivals like Eid.
“While Eid may not be an official holiday in the UK, the boom in cultural events taking place up and down the country (means it is) increasingly becoming more like an annual British festival.
“With the holy festival coinciding with the summer months in the UK, the wealthy Arab tourists flocking to the UK at this time of year are increasing pressure on brands to further develop their understanding of the Muslim market’s needs,” he said.
This year’s Eid celebrations not only mark a joyous occasion for families and friends across the country, they will also serve to encourage unity and community cohesion in the face of a recent wave of terror attacks that have hit the UK.