The Mayor of London has welcomed celebrations in Trafalgar Square to mark the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr, which take place this Saturday. Eid marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting that is observed by millions of Muslims internationally, including many Londoners. Eid in the Square is organised by the Muslim Council of Britain and supported by the Mayor of London.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: 'It gives me great pleasure to extend my special greetings to London’s Muslims on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, as they mark the end of Ramadan.

'Unity is a key theme of Ramadan and Eid day celebrations as they transcend ethnic, cultural and religious boundaries and bring together people from all corners of the world to focus on their faith and serve as a reminder of the importance of peace, compassion and charity - values common to all humanity.

'Eid celebrations in Trafalgar Square provide an opportunity for Muslims and non-Muslims to unite and experience the cultural richness and diversity of Islam. This year's celebrations will take place on Saturday 20 October and will include artists representing many of London’s communities and a myriad of activities and events for all.'

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain said: 'I am delighted to support the celebration of the festival of Eid ul-Fitr at the heart of our capital, Trafalgar Square. London is a global city and Muslim Londoners represent the diversity and richness of the Muslim world.

'Eid unites human beings in common joy. It reminds us of the importance of harmony, human equality and compassion for all. London is a great world city, where cultures and communities come together to contribute to its success. Muslim Londoners are rightly proud of London's success story and long may it continue.'

The event will include live entertainment from a range of acts including Poet Pilgrimage, a popular female hip hop and spoken-word duo. Mesut Kurtis will take to the stage to perform songs from his first nasheed (Islamic-oriented) album. Mesut has performed extensively in Turkey and is also a gifted multi-linguist, being fluent in five languages.

Spirtual singer Nazeel Azami found his early inspiration for singing through his mother, who would play her collection of spiritual songs at home, including those sung by her brother, a renowned Bengali singer and lyricist. He has performed before a variety of audiences, particularly in London at conferences and religious events.

Comedy will be delivered by Prince Abdi, a talented young comic from south-London. He is one of the few Somalian comedians and has already made his name performing in places such as Hackney Empire, Comedy cafe, and the Comedy Store. Hussein Zahawy learnt how to play the Def (Kurdish drum) at the age of three, and later followed his interest of further Kurdish pulsatile instruments like the Do-taple, Dohol, Tas and the Iranian Santur. He has played a number of high profile music events both as a soloist and with accompanists of Persian and Kurdish musicians.

During the event a street bazaar and exhibitions and displays about Islam will be in the square.

SCHEDULE - TIMINGS APPROXIMATE

12:50pm Call to Prayer

1pm Welcome & introduction - Harun Khan
Quran Recitation - Shaykh Ahmed Saad
Translation of the Recital

1:15pm Speeches, including Dr Muhammed Abdul Bari

1:40pm Presenter - Shelina
Songs 1 - Lote Tree School
Islamic Relief (throughout the afternoon)
Songs 2 - Mustafa Badru
Comedy Act - Prince Abdi
Songs 3 - Hamza Robertson
Islam Channel

3pm Presenter - Fatim Jumabhoy
Poetry - Poetic Pilgrimage
Songs 4 - Hussein Zahawy
Songs 5 - Nazeel Azami

4pm Islam Channel
Songs 6 - Aashiq Al Rasul
Songs 7 - Mesut Kurtis
Concluding Remarks - Harun Khan

5pm EVENT FINISHES

Please note that all timings are approximate and information is subject to change.