London’s iconic West End has once again transformed into a glowing corridor of light as Mayor Sadiq Khan officially switched on the city’s Ramadan Lights for 2026. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the capital has hosted the aerial display, solidifying it as a permanent fixture on London’s cultural calendar alongside Christmas, Diwali, and Hanukkah.
The Glow of Coventry Street
Stretching from Piccadilly Circus through Coventry Street to Leicester Square, the installation features over 30,000 sustainable LED bulbs. The 2026 design reflects the spiritual journey of the holy month, from the pre-dawn meal of Suhoor to the sunset breaking of the fast, Iftar.
The lights, funded by the Aziz Foundation, will illuminate the heart of the city daily from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM throughout the month. As the moon wanes and the month draws to a close, the display’s central message will transition from “Happy Ramadan” to “Happy Eid.”
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A Message of Inclusivity
During the switch-on ceremony on February 13, Sadiq Khan described the display as a powerful antidote to rising global tensions.
“As we come together to mark the start of Ramadan, I want to remind you that you are loved and wanted in London, regardless of where you are from or what faith you follow,” he shared.
The Mayor’s speech emphasized London’s identity as a melting pot where diversity is treated as a strength rather than a point of division. He urged Londoners of all backgrounds, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and those of no faith, to unite in a spirit of solidarity, particularly during a year where Ramadan coincides with Lent.
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In a fragile world, the lights over Piccadilly Circus serve as a literal and metaphorical reminder that London remains a city that keeps its doors, and its heart, open to everyone.
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