Brick Lane to shine bright with 'Eid Mubarak' lights for the first time

Eid Mubarak lights on Brick Lane

For the first time in its history, the iconic Brick Lane, long known as a cultural and spiritual hub for the British Bangladeshi and wider Muslim community, will be illuminated with ‘Eid Mubarak’ lights to mark the end of Ramadan and celebrate the borough’s rich heritage. 

Tower Hamlets Council has worked with local businesses and community groups to bring this exciting installation to Brick Lane, creating a vibrant and inclusive display that reflects the diversity of the East End. 

The lights were officially switched on at a special event on Thursday, 27th March, at 7:30 PM, where Executive Mayor Lutfur Rahman and Cabinet Members from Tower Hamlets Council came together with the community to celebrate the moment. The display will remain in place for the foreseeable future, allowing residents and visitors to share in the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr. 

This temporary installation is just the beginning. Plans are in place to replace it with a permanent programmable light display, allowing Brick Lane to mark key moments and celebrations from Tower Hamlets’ diverse communities throughout the year. 

These plans sit at the heart of a wider programme of improvement works aimed at enhancing the public realm around Brick Lane and Banglatown, including more frequent street cleansing, tackling fly-posting and graffiti, and developing a programme of cultural and seasonal events, such as the Brick Lane Curry & Food Festival, to promote the area. 

Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: 

“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 and is part of the council’s commitment to recognising and celebrating the traditions of all communities in the borough.