Muslim Aid Marks four decades at Trafalgar Square’s Eid celebration

Muslim Aid was proud to be the official charity partner for this year’s Eid on the Square. It took place on 30 May 2026 in Trafalgar Square as the event celebrated its 20th anniversary.

As part of Muslim Aid’s ongoing 40th anniversary campaign, The World We Want to See, the charity took centre stage to highlight rising global humanitarian needs, including the crises in Sudan and Gaza, as well as growing hardship here in the UK, and to advocate for positive systemic change.

Showcasing four decades of humanitarian work alongside its current programming, Muslim Aid engaged with more than 20,000 attendees who flocked to the celebrations in Trafalgar Square.

The charity not only raised awareness and funds for vulnerable communities, but also encouraged the public to recognise the role they can play in driving meaningful change.

Through the spirit of volunteerism, solidarity and campaigning, Muslim Aid hopes to inspire collective action towards a fairer and more compassionate world.

20 years of Eid on the Square

The free, family-friendly festival brought together Londoners from all backgrounds through a vibrant programme of music, art, culture, food and performances celebrating Eid al-Adha.

Muslim Aid also joined the main stage programme, where the charity’s climate ambassador, former BBC weather presenter Kawser Quamer spoke about presenting Muslim Aid’s climate documentary on the devastating floods in Pakistan.

He highlighted how the charity’s response has supported affected communities while promoting long-term, sustainable solutions to the growing climate crisis.

Tim Holmes, Interim CEO of Muslim Aid said:

Eid on the Square is a symbol of the best in our society: a celebration of community, diversity and shared values. In a time of increased tensions both here and abroad, it is important to bring our communities together for good, to focus on what binds us, not just our shared concerns but our shared joy.

By putting our visions for a better future front and centre, we recognise our collective power to shape the future we all hope for. We’re proud to partner with the mayor of London’s Eid on the Square to bring our shared vision to life.

This year, Muslim Aid continued its support for 114 therapeutic feeding programmes in Sudan, helping children vulnerable to the effects of famine and malnutrition.

In Gaza, the charity is scaling up its humanitarian response to address the severe shortage of clean water affecting more than two million people through its Water for Gaza appeal.

Here in the UK, Muslim Aid also continues to partner with organisations including Help the Homeless and The Felix Project to support emergency food aid distribution for vulnerable communities across the UK.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:

I’m delighted that Eid on the Square returns to Trafalgar Square with a packed programme of art, music and cultural performances.

For 20 years this wonderful event has brought Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds together to celebrate the huge contribution Muslim Londoners make to our city.

It’s another great example of how our capital’s diversity is our greatest strength, as we build a better London for everyone. Eid Mubarak!

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40 years of Muslim Aid

Singer Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) founded Muslim Aid in 1985. Since then, it has delivered humanitarian support in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Now, in its 40th year, the charity is increasing its focus on advocacy and campaigning, recognising that the systemic change needed to support vulnerable and marginalised communities, both in the UK and overseas, can’t be achieved through humanitarian aid alone.

This renewed focus includes engaging and empowering young people and amplifying the voices of the communities Muslim Aid serves to help shape a better future for all.

Muslim Aid welcomed young people, schools, families and communities to its marquee at Eid on the Square. Visitors took part in The World We Want to See, a campaign encouraging people from all backgrounds and walks of life to imagine and build a better future together.

Throughout the day, attendees shared their hopes and visions for a fairer world while supporting Muslim Aid’s Water for Gaza and Sudan Emergency appeals, helping to celebrate Eid with purpose and solidarity.

Featured image via Alishia Abodunde / Getty Images

By The Canary

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