London’s West End was illuminated in a sea of light and hope as Mayor Sadiq Khan officially switched on this year’s Ramadan lights in Leicester Square, urging communities to stand together against division.
Declaring, “Let’s show the best of London, let’s show the best of Britain, and let’s show the best of Islam,” Mr Khan used the occasion to call for unity during what he described as a time of rising political tension.
“I call on Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Sikhs, those of organised religions and those that aren’t, come together during this month of Ramadan,” he said.
More than 30,000 LED lights lit up the capital in a display inspired by Islamic geometric patterns and the celestial rhythms of Ramadan, echoing the daily cycles of fasting. Throughout the holy month, the display will read “Happy Ramadan” before transforming to “Happy Eid” on 18 March.
Addressing growing Islamophobia and wider social tensions, the Mayor spoke candidly about those “sowing the seeds of division, hatred and fear” both globally and closer to home.
“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.
“London is the antidote to hatred — we are the antithesis of everything they believe in.” — Sadiq Khan
He also reminded Muslims observing the fast to remember those suffering across the world, including in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine, in their prayers and charitable giving.
Despite political challenges during his historic third term, including scrutiny over crime levels and transport policy, Mr Khan struck an upbeat tone, wishing the Muslim community “Ramadan Kareem” and even sharing a light-hearted remark about the realities of fasting.
“If you are a non-Muslim, ask one of your Muslim friends why they’re so miserable,” he joked. “They’ll tell you – because fasting is hard!”
The landmark display is funded and organised by the Aziz Foundation, which has spearheaded the initiative for four consecutive years.
The foundation, which aims to empower British Muslims to overcome systemic barriers in education, media, law and politics, has positioned the lights not simply as a religious marker, but as a shared cultural celebration for all Londoners.
Speaking at the event, Rahima Aziz, BEM, Trustee of the Aziz Foundation, reflected on both the pride and the challenges that have accompanied the project.
“It’s incredible what these lights represent,” she said. “We share these streets. We share this city. London is a city for everyone. Ramadan is something for everyone to enjoy.”
“We share these streets. We share this city. London is a city for everyone.”— Rahima Aziz
Now in its fourth year, the lights have drawn visitors from across the country, with families travelling from cities including Birmingham and Manchester to witness the spectacle.
However, Aziz acknowledged that the initiative has not been without criticism.
“In recent years, whenever the switch-on happens, there can be negative comments and
polarising views online,” she said. “But what gives us resilience is the outpouring of support from the community, Muslim and non-Muslim alike.
“There are universal values in Ramadan, compassion, generosity, reflection, that resonate whether you have a faith or not. Curiosity helps break down negative stereotypes.”
She added that the display has created meaningful conversations about Ramadan among those previously unfamiliar with the holy month.
“I grew up seeing Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street, it was magical. We now see celebrations for Diwali and Hanukkah. Ramadan deserves that visibility too.
“These lights spark curiosity. They make people ask questions. And that’s powerful.”
For Aziz, the personal impact remains profound.
“Every year when I walk down the street and see the lights, it makes me feel like a child again — that same excitement before you’re even old enough to fast. It brings hope.”
At a time when Islamophobia continues to be reported at record levels nationally, both the Mayor and organisers were clear that the display is about far more than decoration.
It is, they insist, a visible statement that London’s diversity is not a weakness, but its strength.
As Rahima Aziz concluded: “Ramadan is a time of peace, community and charity. With everything going on in the world, we must hold on to those universal values. That’s what these lights stand for.”
