Over 50,000 people attended this weekend’s triumphant return of the Global Peace and Unity (GPU) festival at ExCeL London.
After a decade-long hiatus, it was an unequivocal success that exceeded all expectations, inspiring and invigorating attendees.
WATCH DAY ONE STREAM
WATCH DAY TWO STREAM
Guests explored bustling shopping and exhibiting pavilions, enjoyed one of the biggest nasheed concerts in the Western world, listened to thought-provoking talks from inspirational speakers, participated in educational seminars, and immersed themselves in fun, family-focused activities.
Mohamed Ali Harrath, Chairman of the GPU Festival, opened the event with a powerful and inspiring address.
“Today we have with us guests from as far as South Africa, as far as Australia, as far as Canada, as far as Gambia — so many countries. All continents are represented here today,” he said, highlighting the global reach and significance of the gathering.
“And we’re glad, after a long break, we are back. We are back wiser, we are back stronger, and we are back, insha’Allah, bigger. And we are back forever.”
Harrath mentioned the “uphill struggle” to organise this year’s event due to interest from right-wing and far-right media, who see Muslims as outsiders.
“It wasn’t easy for us. Till now, we are seen [by the media] as an extension of foreign forces. We are part and parcel of this land… we are not foreigners.”
He explained the festival’s stance on requests for comments from media that seek to peddle divisive narratives.
“We do not apologise or respond to those who are supporters of genocide because we are against genocide as a matter of principle,” he said to rousing applause, referring to those media organisations that whitewash the genocide committed by Israel in Palestine.
Instead, he continued: “We have to be ourselves, Muslims, peace-loving, law-abiding citizens. That’s what we are.”
He added: “There should be no place in our modern world for any form of racism, or anti-Semitism, or indeed Islamophobia.”
GPU: A celebration of global peace and unity
The festival, launched in 2005 to promote interfaith understanding and unity within the UK’s diverse communities, showcased the invaluable contributions of Muslims to British society. It also provided unparalleled opportunities for Muslims to celebrate and learn with their families.
The conference featured an impressive line-up of British and international speakers, including acclaimed scholars, top politicians, dignitaries, influential thinkers, and celebrities from across the globe.
Speakers such as Maulana Tariq Jamil, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan, Sheikh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri, Sheikha Fatima Barkatulla, Joram Van Klaveren and Paul Williams shared their insights and wisdom.
The ‘Sounds of Faith’ nasheed concert was a resounding success. Performances by artists such as Mesut Kurtis, Harris J, Najam Sheraz, Humood Alkhudher and Salwa Najam, captivated the audience. Maher Zain even made a surprise appearance.
The exhibition hall showcased hundreds of halal businesses and organisations, while the kids and sports zones provided creative and fun activities.
Other highlights of the event were equally well-received. The workshops and seminars covering lifestyle, socio-political, faith, and educational topics were packed with eager participants.
The event was broadcast across the world through Islam Channel’s TV and digital platforms. In Google’s Play Store, the GPU Festival app was the fifth most downloaded free app in the events category — highlighting the event’s success.
The return of the Global Peace and Unity Festival in 2024 was a resounding success, promoting interfaith understanding, cultural diversity, and unity in the UK and beyond.
