London Eid Festival Puts Young Dreams on Centre Stage

Muslim Aid marks 40 years with national creative contest for schoolchildren and a call for compassion.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Muslim Aid has been announced as the official charity partner for this year’s Eid on the Square, which takes place on Sunday, 8 June in Trafalgar Square.

The partnership comes as the charity marks its 40th anniversary, and as part of the celebrations, Muslim Aid is launching a new UK-wide creative competition for young people called ‘The World We Want to See’.

The competition invites secondary school students aged 8–16 to submit artwork and writing that shows their vision for a better, more compassionate world. Winning entries will be revealed at the event and featured on Muslim Aid’s official Eid cards to raise funds for vulnerable communities.

Khalid Javid, CEO of Muslim Aid, said: “Eid on the Square is a celebration of community, creativity and shared values. By putting young people at the heart of this year’s event, we’re recognising their 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 this vision to life.”

The judging panel includes several well-known names in the art world. Among them are Hajera Memon, founder of Shade 7; Maya Schulz, a self-taught artist who has exhibited her work around the world; and Laura Walford, co-director of Belgravia Gallery.

As well as launching the competition, Muslim Aid will also be running free mental well-being workshops in secondary schools. An online toolkit will be available to make sure more young people can access the support.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan welcomed the partnership and praised the event: “Eid on the Square is one of the highlights of our capital’s cultural calendar and I’m delighted that this year’s programme is bursting with talent and creativity. The event provides a wonderful opportunity for Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds to unite and celebrate the huge contribution Muslim Londoners make to our city. Together, we can continue to show that our diversity is our greatest strength, as we build a better London for everyone. Eid Mubarak!”

Muslim Aid, which was founded in 1985 by Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), has worked in over 70 countries. As it reaches its 40th year, the charity is increasing its focus on supporting young people here in the UK.

The charity is also using the event to raise awareness for its current Water for Gaza appeal.

To find out more, visit www.muslimaid.org.

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