London Muslim shopping festival draws thousands to ExCeL London

The London Muslim shopping festival 2026 concluded at ExCeL London on February 7–8, bringing together more than 350 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors for a two-day pre-Ramadan lifestyle event focused on retail, food, travel and community engagement.

Organised as a platform for Ramadan and Eid preparation, the festival featured a large retail bazaar showcasing modest fashion, halal food products, fragrances, home décor and Islamic gifts, alongside dedicated zones for travel, sports activities and live cooking demonstrations.

The event also hosted celebrity chef and author Nadiya Hussain, who held a book signing and meet-and-greet session for her latest cookbook "Rooza." Live cooking demonstrations formed a central part of the programme, with chefs presenting Ramadan-inspired recipes and interactive sessions for visitors.

More than 30,000 attendees were expected across the weekend, according to organisers, positioning the festival as one of Europe’s largest Muslim-focused retail and lifestyle gatherings timed ahead of the holy month. Alongside shopping, the event included the 'Muslim Travel Show', which promoted halal-friendly destinations, Umrah packages and travel deals, supported by tourism partners such as Visit Sarajevo.

A large halal food court offered international cuisines from street-food vendors and artisan producers, reflecting growing demand for diverse halal dining experiences. Other interactive features included the 'Active Sunnah Sports Zone', where visitors participated in activities such as archery, football and golf, and the 'Kids Zone', which hosted educational workshops, arts and crafts sessions and family-focused entertainment.

The festival also incorporated practical facilities including dedicated prayer spaces, family areas and health-focused initiatives, including free health checks, highlighting the organisers’ aim of combining retail with community wellbeing.

Exhibitors represented a broad range of sectors, including modest fashion brands, halal finance services, educational resources and lifestyle products aimed at Ramadan preparation. Industry participants used the event as a platform to engage directly with consumers ahead of a peak seasonal shopping period.

Now in its ninth year, the London Muslim Shopping Festival has expanded its focus beyond retail to include travel, wellness and experiential programming, reflecting broader trends within the Muslim lifestyle economy.