February 28 is expected to mark the beginning of Ramadan, the month-long festival which commemorates the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. To mark its arrival, the West End has once again been decorated with a stunning set of lights. At the centre of it all is a neon purple sign reading ‘Happy Ramadan’, while other lights display a bright set of shapes that are inspired by Islamic geometric symbols.
The lights will illuminate Coventry Street in the West End, and you’ll be able to see them all bright and shining every evening for a month until March 29, throughout Ramadan in London. After this, the sign will be adapted to read ‘Happy Eid’ until April 6 as the celebrations commence at the end of Ramadan, and this will coincide with other Eid al-Fitr festivities across London, including the annual Eid In The Square celebrations at Trafalgar Square.
For the first time this year, the trail is also interactive. One particular portion of the light installation in Leicester Square allows visitors to push a button to send beams of light up to the structure to symbolise the spirit of Ramadan with geometric stars and aerial lights.
2025 is the third year in which Ramadan has been marked by a light display, with 2023 being a landmark moment in a campaign that was years in the making and led by Rahima Aziz BEM, Trustee at the Aziz Foundation.
Speaking about the Ramadan Lights this year, Rahima Aziz said: “We are proud to continue this world-leading tradition for a third year, celebrating London’s rich diversity and the spirit of Ramadan. This year’s exciting new additions – from our interactive installation to the Iftar Food Trail – are designed to bring people together, fostering inclusivity and interfaith understanding in a truly 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 occasion.”
Excitingly, there are also some more brand new aspects to the Ramadan Lights in 2025, which coincide with the Aziz Foundation’s 10th anniversary. One new addition is the first Iftar food trail in the capital, where Londoners will be able to head out for a meal to break their fast through the month of Ramadan. These include Ramadan specials, discounts, offers, and freebies from the likes of 1 Leicester Square at Hotel Indigo, Franco’s, Americana London, Farzi London, Shake Shack, and Bone Daddies.
An interactive map of the area shows local prayer spaces for those visiting the lights to use and pray while enjoying the celebrations in the city centre. Plus, the festivities go further than the West End, with anyone able to download the ‘Spread The Light’ lantern pattern from the website to decorate their own lanterns and share on social media from anywhere in the world.
The Ramadan Lights
2023 was the first time London had put up lights in the West End to celebrate Ramadan, and it came after a campaign by Aisha Desai, who began pushing the idea three years before. This was run entirely on donations, and led to other brilliant Ramadan light displays in London before the West End set, including Henley’s Corner and Trafalgar Square, which held a giant Ramadan light installation.
Speaking in its first year, Aisha Desai said: “As a child, a trip into central London to see the festive lights was an annual treat. My sister and I would lie in the back of the car looking at the lights through the sunroof. It was magical.
“As a proud Muslim, I wanted to bring some of that magic to my community. And three years ago, that journey began with Ramadan Lights. And our generous donors have helped us go from strength to strength.”
Now coming back for their third year, the lights are back to mark the work put in by Aisha Desai, the Aziz Foundations, and all others involved, with the beautiful designs in the centre of the city shining all month to represent and champion those in London and beyond who observe Ramadan.
Read more about the Ramadan Lights initiative here, and check out the Aziz Foundation’s website to find out more about the 2025 lights. You can also keep up to date with the Ramadan timetable via the Islamic Relief site.