Ramadan Lights London 2025 Launch: A Sparkling Night of Community, Culture and Celebration

Sir Sadiq Khan, Rahima Aziz BEM, Adil Ray OBE, and Yasser Ranjha headlined a star-studded switch-on ceremony that illuminated London’s West End, unveiling a dazzling new installation and the city’s first-ever iftar food trail.

 The spirit of Ramadan illuminated London’s West End in breathtaking fashion as Ramadan Lights London returned for its third spectacular year, organised and sponsored by the Aziz Foundation. In celebration of their 10th anniversary, this year’s edition was bigger, brighter, and more immersive than ever before. Hundreds gathered to watch the switch-on ceremony, where communities, celebrities, dignitaries, and influencers came together in a dazzling display of unity and celebration. The evening began with a delightful children's lantern parade, followed by the highly anticipated switch-on of the new interactive 'Spread The Light' installation in Leicester Square, inviting guests to take part in illuminating the city. The festivities culminated in a jaw-dropping aerial light display, transforming the skyline into a radiant tribute to Ramadan.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY

Heartwarming Children's Lantern Parade Around Leicester Square

Led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Robert Rigby, and his escort, Cllr Louise Hyams, around 70 Muslim and non-Muslim schoolchildren from East Surrey College, London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, and WAW Creative Arts brightened Leicester Square with an enchanting lantern parade. Carrying their own beautifully designed lanterns, they filled the evening with light, creativity, and a powerful symbol of Ramadan’s spirit of generosity and unity.

New ‘Spread The Light’ Installation Is Illuminated in Leicester Square

Visitors gathered at the northwest corner of Leicester Square to witness the historic switch-on of a spectacular new interactive installation. As the button was pressed, brilliant beams of light soared skyward, illuminating the stars on the structure and revealing intricate geometric patterns and celestial symbols in shimmering gold and silver – a captivating tribute to the spirit of Ramadan. Overhead, the words 'Spread the Light' glowed brightly, delivering an inspiring message for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Star-Studded Aerial Lights Switch-On Along Coventry Street

Hundreds of visitors gathered with excitement for this momentous occasion – the illumination of 30,000 LED bulbs suspended above Coventry Street. Hosted in front of an enthusiastic crowd and a buzzing press pen, the switch-on featured an impressive lineup of high-profile figures, including:

• Rahima Aziz BEM, Trustee, Aziz Foundation
• Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
• Adil Ray OBE, Actor & Presenter (Citizen Khan, Good Morning Britain)
• Yasser Ranjha, Host (Capital XTRA Drive)

As the lights flickered to life, Coventry Street transformed into a luminous display, glowing with exquisite Islamic geometric patterns and celestial motifs, marking the Aziz Foundation's commitment to diversity, unity, and interfaith harmony. Social media lit up instantly, with #RamadanLightsLondon and #SpreadTheLight trending across platforms, as visitors shared their mesmerising experiences.

QUOTES

"The Aziz Foundation is proud to continue this world-leading tradition of Ramadan Lights London for a third year, celebrating the city's rich diversity and the spirit of Ramadan. This year’s exciting new additions - from our interactive installation to London's first iftar food trail - are designed to bring people together, fostering inclusivity and interfaith understanding in a meaningful way. ‘Spread The Light’ carries a universal message of hope and generosity, inviting people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to take part in this special celebration. It has been rewarding to collaborate with local groups and businesses on this year’s programme, ensuring that the festivities reflect the heart of the community." - Rahima Aziz BEM

“It’s a privilege to switch on Ramadan Lights London in our capital for the third year in a row. This fantastic display in the heart of the West End has quickly become a very popular tradition and is a wonderful way to celebrate Ramadan. It’s also a clear symbol of how our capital celebrates our diversity, as we build a better London for everyone.” - Sir Sadiq Khan

“It has been a real pleasure to take part in Ramadan Lights London again this year, thanks to Asif Aziz and the Aziz Foundation. It is an event that brings us all together, regardless of faith or background. The UK’s strength has always been its diversity and its natural ability to celebrate all aspects of our society.” - Adil Ray OBE

"It was amazing to be part of the Ramadan Lights London 2025 switch-on and it was an absolute honour to be part of something so special. I work here in Leicester Square so it’s great to see the Lights add to the buzz of the area." - Yasser Ranjha

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2025?

‘Spread The Light’ Interactive Installation

A stunning addition for 2025, 'Spread the Light' is an interactive installation in Leicester Square that symbolises generosity and unity. With the press of a button, visitors can send radiant beams soaring skyward, visually representing the spirit of Ramadan. Featuring intricate geometric patterns, stars, and shimmering gold and silver tones that mirror the aerial display, 'Spread the Light' will illuminate the Square until 1st April 2025.

London's First Iftar Food Trail

For the first time, London’s Ramadan experience is extending to food lovers with a curated Halal-friendly trail: 'Ramadan Delights'. Brought to you by the Aziz Foundation in partnership with the Heart of London Business Alliance, top local dining spots - including 1 Leicester Square at Hotel Indigo, Franco’s, Americana London, Farzi London, Shake Shack, and Bone Daddies - will be offering exclusive discounts, freebies, and Ramadan specials. Running from 28th February until 30th March 2025, visitors can check out the latest offers on the Ramadan Lights London website.

Local Prayer Spaces

An interactive online map helps visitors locate nearby prayer spaces, making it easier than ever to break fast and pray comfortably while enjoying the festivities.

Community Lantern Project

Extending the celebration beyond the West End, a 'Spread The Light' lantern pattern is available to download from the Ramadan Lights London website - the same pattern created by the children to use in our Lantern Parade. Families and individuals can print, decorate, and share their lanterns on social media, amplifying the message of Ramadan across the UK and beyond.

GET INVOLVED

The Aziz Foundation's Ramadan Lights will brighten Coventry Street until the evening of 29th March, transforming into vibrant Eid Lights on 30th March and shining until 6th April 2025, creating a breathtaking display of culture and unity. Visitors will be able to learn more about the ‘Spread The Light’ interactive installation, London’s first Iftar Food Trail, local prayer spaces, and the community lantern project by visiting the official Ramadan Lights London website: www.ramadanlightslondon.com.

Follow the conversation online using #RamadanLightsLondon and #SpreadTheLight. Please tag @azizfndn on Instagram.