London's West End lights up for Ramadan 2026

London’s iconic West End district, the beating heart of its multicultural life, is once again illuminated for the month of Ramadan, which Muslims in the United Kingdom begin observing on February 18, 2026. For the fourth consecutive year, this central area of the British capital is continuing the initiative, reflecting the city’s commitment to making this period a time of communion, shared values, solidarity, and generosity beyond differences.

This week also marks the beginning of Christian Lent. Speaking at the launch ceremony, London Mayor Sadiq Khan called on «Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Sikhs, those of organised religions and those that aren’t, come together during this month of Ramadan». For him, it is about breaking the chains of Islamophobia, hatred, division, and fear.

At the same time, the mayor urged people to remember and pray for populations affected by wars and conflicts around the world, notably in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Gaza Strip. «One of the jobs we have during this month of Ramadan, whether you are Muslim or non-Muslim, is to show that London is the antidote to that hatred. We are the antithesis of everything they believe in», he said.

Funded and organized by the Aziz Foundation, the initiative features more than 30,000 LED lights displaying Islamic art motifs in Leicester Square and surrounding streets. The illuminated message «Happy Ramadan» will switch to «Happy Eid» on March 18 to mark the end of the fasting month.