A taste of British Eid celebrations

As the moon of the first Shawwal is spotted, Muslims around the world will begin celebrations marking the end of the month of Ramadan, the end of another year's Sawn. In the UK alone, the celebration of Eid ul Fitr will be commemorated by over 1.6 million Muslims all across the country; Muslims with ties to Africa, the Middle East, Asia and beyond, all of whom have made Britain their home.

Following the example of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), British Muslims will gather to celebrate with friends and relatives in the more than 1,300 mosques that have become a common sight in towns and cities all across Britain and thank Allah for the strength He has given to them.

Eid-ul-Fitr has today become a common event in Britain with the special celebration supported by local and regional government working in co-operation with leaders from Britain's diverse Muslim communities.

At the heart of London, the world-famous Trafalgar Square will see Muslims join with non-Muslims for a celebration of live entertainment, music, exhibitions, bazaars and prayer lasting the whole afternoon of 28 October. The event supported by the Mayor of London and organised by leading Muslim organisations and charities, such as Islamic Relief, will be the Square's first such Eid, celebration. It is not likely to be its last.

In the middle of the country, the city of Coventry has marked each evening throughout Ramadan with a sunset "Light on Ramadan" digital projection on the side of Coventry's Herbert Museum and Gallery. The light show created by urban artist Mohammed Ali has found inspiration from Arabic calligraphy. Mohammed worked with local young Muslims to explore themes of Ramadan that are universal, and which can encourage understanding between religions and cultures. Support for the scheme was given by Coventry City Council and also Muslim Cultures which is organising a yearlong series of events celebrating Islam and Muslim Culture in Britain.

Manchester City Council to the north of the country is again supporting the Chand Ratt Festival at Lonsight Market, which is serving up a mixture of sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Middle East and Asia. This successful event has been running for several years, drawing large numbers from Muslim communities and beyond, all eager to sample the delights on offer.

Leeds in Yorkshire sees a visit by the popular Muslim-American pop group Native Culture. A concert on 29 October is expected to draw substantial crowds.

In Wales, the National History Museum will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr by inviting the public to sample food and the spirit of happiness of the day.