Tower Hamlets Council, in collaboration with local businesses and community groups, has brought this dazzling installation to life, creating an inclusive and joyful display that reflects the diversity of the East End.
Brick Lane, the heart of East London’s Bangladeshi and wider Muslim community, has been illuminated with ‘Eid Mubarak’ lights for the first time in its history. This milestone celebration marks the end of Ramadan and highlights the borough’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Tower Hamlets Council, in collaboration with local businesses and community groups, has brought this dazzling installation to life, creating an inclusive and joyful display that reflects the diversity of the East End. The switch-on event took place on Thursday, 27 March, at 7:30 PM, where Executive Mayor Lutfur Rahman, alongside Cabinet Members and residents, came together to mark the momentous occasion. The lights will remain on display for the foreseeable future, giving both locals and visitors a chance to share in the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr.
This installation is just the beginning of a broader vision to enhance Brick Lane’s cultural identity. Plans are already in motion to replace the temporary display with a permanent programmable lighting system, allowing the area to celebrate key cultural and religious events throughout the year. This initiative is part of a larger public realm improvement strategy for Brick Lane and Banglatown, which includes more frequent street cleansing, tackling graffiti and fly-posting, and introducing cultural and seasonal events, such as the Brick Lane Curry & Food Festival, to further promote the area as a hub of multicultural celebration.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, expressed his pride in the project, stating:
“Tower Hamlets is home to the largest Muslim community in the country, and I am delighted that we have recognised this important occasion in such a visible way. Brick Lane and Banglatown have long been a symbol of our borough’s rich history and resilience, and these Eid lights honour the contributions of our Muslim residents while fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration. Looking ahead, the permanent light display will allow us to recognise the many cultures, faiths, and traditions that make Tower Hamlets such a special place.”
The addition of the Eid lights follows similar celebrations of other religious and cultural festivals in Tower Hamlets, underscoring the council’s commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of all communities. By investing in initiatives like this, Tower Hamlets is reaffirming its status as one of the UK’s most diverse and culturally rich boroughs, where traditions are celebrated and shared in a spirit of unity.
