London Shows Support For Ramadan With A Show of Lights

This year, London became the first city in Europe to light up its streets for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan by putting on a show in Piccadilly Circus. The lights were turned on by London Mayor Sadiq Khan in an effort to increase multicultural representation within the United Kingdom.

The Ramadan Lights UK initiative, featuring 30,000 sustainable lights representing various stages of the moon, is set to remain lit for the entirety of Ramadan which began this past Thursday and is set to end on either April 21 or 22, depending on moon sighting.

The moon is of great importance as it is included in the Islamic lunar calendar and other features like Eid al-Fitr which is celebrated after fasting comes to an end.

A Message of Unity and Representation

Sadiq Khan described the light displays as a sign of London being inclusively celebratory, stating, “London’s capacity to accommodate difference is phenomenal”. This makes London the first city in Europe to feature such illuminative displays to commemorate Ramadan.



British Muslims took to social media to express their delight as well as support for the initiative claiming it to be a powerful tool to promote interfaith awareness and collaboration.

Founder of Ramadan Lights UK, Aisha Desai, shared her inspiration behind the project:

“This is a special month for Muslims and with so many of us in this country, our people should be represented. London is an amazing multi-ethnic city. This initiative has a positive message: We see you. You live here. This is your home.”

Desai reinforced that this project not only celebrates Ramadan but also fights Islamophobia by showcasing the beauty of Muslim customs and facilitating cultural interaction.

The growing milestones of Ramadan Lights UK

2021: First small installation placed in a pole in a northern quarter of London. 2022: A bigger installation at Henley’s Corner in the north of London. 2023: Installed at Piccadilly Circus, one of the most visited places in London with millions of attendees every year. 2024: In partnership with Aziz Foundation and the Heart of London Business Alliance, making this year’s display the most spectacular.

Moving Towards So Much More Inclusion

The Ramadan lights represents, to some, a movement towards more and deeper recognition within the UK. Soukaina Ichanti, a visitor, provided thoughtful insight regarding the importance of such efforts.

“It’s appreciated because we see Christmas lights every year, so seeing Ramadan lights too sends a beautifying message that we are able to coexist no matter our differences.”

Similarly, Shehwar, a British Muslim video blogger expressed his thoughts with equal pride.

“This makes me so proud to be British and Muslim. It stands out what is clear, options are endless, And indeed our society is so multicultural and multi-dimensional.”

The Ramadan Lights UK continues to grow as an initiative while fostering inclusion, awareness, and pride among Muslim British communities and others, as well as promoting understanding and unity across all boundaries of Britain.