Celebrating Eid al-Adha: UK Traditions, Qurbani & Community Gatherings

The Muslim community prepares for another celebration this Friday, June 6th, as Eid al-Adha has arrived. And it only feels like a few days have passed since we were all celebrating Eid al-Fitr. As Halal Travel Network (HTN) discovered during its last Eid coverage, travel is becoming an essential part of how people celebrate Eid, with this one having a slightly different take, being known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’.

Why is it known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice’? Over the coming days of celebrations, it honours the remarkable story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son, Ismail, a well-known passage in Islamic tradition, as an act of deep faith and obedience to Allah. But just before the sacrifice could happen, Allah intervened and provided a ram instead.

That moment of trust and surrender is respected today through the act of Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice performed by Muslims around the world during Eid. The resulting meat is then shared with family, friends, neighbours, and those in need, turning the occasion into something far bigger than the act itself. It's a time rooted in devotion, as well as community, compassion, and giving.

Whatever you are up to this Eid, whether you’re performing the morning prayer, sharing Qurbani meals with loved ones, or soaking up the festival spirit in local parks, Eid in the UK has evolved into something uniquely dynamic, shaped by tradition yet grounded in the everyday realities of modern life.

Here’s what’s happening across the country, from London’s high-energy Eid on the Square to more intimate community-led gatherings in cities like Sheffield, Luton and Leeds.

London: Eid on the Square

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Trafalgar Square, Westminster

Saturday, June 8, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Free

London’s flagship celebration is back, and if you’ve never experienced Eid on the Square, this is the year to go. Organised by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, it brings together communities from all walks of life for an afternoon packed with colour, culture, and connection. Expect a lively main stage featuring the likes of Mesut Kurtis, Zahra Ahmad and Omar Esa, alongside walkabout performers, arts workshops, lantern-making, henna, and a global food bazaar. There’ll be a welcome prayer and the call to Zuhr, too.

Manchester: Eid in the Park

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Platt Fields Park

Friday, June 6, 2025 |  9:45 AM prayer

Manchester’s Muslim community turns out in force for Eid in the Park, a great show of unity and peace. Organisers have advised that people arrive early to secure their spot. In the event of rain, prayers will be held indoors at Platt Lane Sports Complex, with three sessions scheduled for 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:00 AM.

Birmingham: Small Heath Park Celebration

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Small Heath Park

Friday, June 6, 2025 |  9:00 AM prayer (arrive from 8:15 AM)

Organised by Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC)

This is one of the UK’s largest Eid gatherings as thousands come together at dawn, prayer mats in hand. You’re encouraged to walk or car-share to ease congestion, and bring water for wudu. If rain gets in the way, prayers move to Green Lane Masjid with multiple early-morning sessions (from 6 AM to 10 AM).

Luton: Council-Coordinated Community Events

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Friday–Sunday, June 6–8, 2025

Luton continues to grow as a key Eid destination in the UK, especially around Stockwood Park and Wardown Park. Anticipating big crowds, the council will implement traffic measures, including road closures (Whitehill Avenue) and diversions. Public transport is the best way to travel. Attendees are reminded to be considerate when parking and to plan ahead, but expect a real sense of joy across town all weekend.

Newham (East London): Streetlife and Spirituality

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Friday, June 6, 2025

In East London, Newham Council supports Eid with relaxed parking restrictions near mosques and prayer venues. Several open-air gatherings are expected in parks across the borough, whilst Green Street, between Barking Road and Romford Road, becomes a hive of activity. You will see stalls, sweets, outfits, and everything you need for the big day.

Yorkshire: From Bradford to Sheffield

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Multiple prayer times across cities on Friday, June 6, 2025

• Bradford (Masjid Abubakar): 5:00 AM, 8:30 AM, and 10:00 AM
• Leeds Grand Mosque: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 9:30 AM (bring your own prayer mat and water)
• Madina Masjid, Sheffield: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
• Huddersfield: Special Revert Eid Family Dinner at the Eden Centre, Highfields — either Friday or Saturday (TBC), starting at 6:30 PM

Yorkshire’s Eid celebrations blend early prayers with strong community vibes, especially in areas with growing revert Muslim communities.

General Traditions Across the UK

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Eid al-Adha in the UK starts early, followed by everyone putting on their best clothes and heading out for Salat al-Eid (the Eid prayer). There will be several who will take annual leave from work, as Eid is not an official public holiday in the UK.

For those performing Qurbani, this act of devotion is often carried out through trusted charities, with the meat distributed to family, friends, and those in need, a reminder that generosity is the beating heart of Eid.

Then come the feasts from steaming biryani to sizzling kebabs, roast lamb, samosas and sweet treats. Kitchens are filled with love, laughter, and the smells of home.

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