London’s Eid on the Square returns to Trafalgar Square

London’s Eid on the Square returns to Trafalgar Square on Saturday 30 May, with a free six-hour programme marking the festival’s 20th anniversary in the central London landmark.

The Mayor of London’s annual Eid al-Adha celebration runs from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN. Entry is free and no booking is required, although visitors are being told to expect queues. Bag searches will take place at the entrance, and organisers advise people not to bring large bags.

The event is designed for Londoners, visitors, families, Muslim communities from across the capital and abroad, and non-Muslims who want to join the celebration. The programme brings together live performance, art, culture, literature, history, fashion, family activities and food.

Date, Time, Venue And Entry Details

This year’s event marks two decades of Eid being held in Trafalgar Square. The festival has been developed with the Eid Community Advisory Group, community groups and arts organisations, with a focus on London’s diverse Muslim communities.

The source programme names Turkish, Middle Eastern, Palestinian, Malaysian, Indonesian, North African and South Asian communities among those represented, alongside wider Muslim communities from London and abroad. The event is also open to non-Muslims, with the Square used as a shared public space for celebration and community contact.

Main Stage Performances Across The Afternoon

The main stage is curated by Creative Programme Partner Waw Creative Arts and hosted by Nadia Ali and Juwayria Ghazali. The opening recitation will be led by Imam Muniri Amour.

The listed line-up includes London Arab Orchestra, Al Nour Group, Khaled Siddiq, Isam B, AmenA, Omar and Hana, Grace and Poise Academy, Christopher and Ben, The British Muslim Gentlemen, London Turkish Association Adult Folk Dance Group and Khan Brothers Qawwali Group.

The programme also includes a call to prayer, Q&A slots with event partners and a sequence of family-friendly performances during the afternoon. Because the event is free and held in a major central London square, arrival time may affect how close visitors can get to particular activities or performances.

Family Activities, Workshops And Installations

Away from the main stage, Eid on the Square 2026 includes several activity areas. The Alif New Beginnings Family Zone will run art and craft workshops, with lantern making, ceramic stencilling, headdress making, dress-up, Islamic calligraphy, live demonstrations, a community puzzle and mindful colouring.

Everyday Muslim is bringing the immersive installation “Our Eid in London”, created with printed textile panels and hanging image panels. The installation is described as a walk-through visual landscape of Muslim celebration and shared memory.

Muslim Girls Fence will run free interactive fencing sessions from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Coaches will teach basic fencing skills, with 24 people per 45-minute session. Sessions are listed at 12:00pm, 12:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 4:30pm and 5:15pm.

A separate light-inspired activity invites children aged five and over to build, decorate and take home a kaleidoscope. Ten sessions are scheduled every 30 minutes from 12:30pm to 5:30pm.

Food Stalls And Community Stalls

The caterers listed for the day include Rukshanas Afghan Grill, Churros Garcia, 24 Karak, Bali Satay House, Halal German Hot Dogs and Fries, Korean Fried Chicken, Sheesh & Babs, Oshpaz and EMA Catering Ice Cream.

Visitors can also browse community, charity and retail stalls. Named stalls include Ambala, Aqeeq, Ar-Rayaan Scents, British Muslim Trust, British Transport Police Association of Muslim Police, Desi Doll Company, Face Painting, Learning Roots, Mahiz Mehndi, Muslim Aid, Remitly and Yunus Emre Institute London.

Access, Travel And Conditions Of Entry

The event source says Trafalgar Square is easy to reach by public transport, including buses, the Tube and national rail. Charing Cross Underground is the closest Tube station, while Westminster Station is listed as the nearest Underground station with step-free access from platform to street level. Charing Cross rail station is listed as 325 metres away, about a three-minute walk, with step-free access and a step-free route to Trafalgar Square.

The event has a level access entrance, accessible paths and a lift connecting the North Terrace to the Main Square. An accessible viewing area will be on the North Terrace, with hearing loop facilities for main stage performances and chairs for companions and anyone who needs to sit. Main stage shows with speech will have a British Sign Language interpreter.

Searching is a condition of entry. Bag searches will be in operation, and the organisers state that when the event is full, a one-in, one-out policy will be used. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult, with one adult required per four children.

Source: London City Hall Events