After a ten-year hiatus, the highly anticipated Global Peace and Unity (GPU) festival makes its eagerly anticipated return this October 19th-20th.
The unique event will bring together over 100,000 visitors over one weekend, promising an extraordinary experience for all attendees.
Held at the Excel London, one of the largest event spaces in Europe, the 2-day GPU festival will offer a number of engaging experiences.
Visitors can explore specialised shopping and exhibiting pavilions, enjoy one of the biggest nasheed concerts in the Western world, listen to inspirational speakers and educational seminars, and participate in other thrilling activities.
Chairman of the GPU Festival, Mohamed Ali Harrath, said: “As Founder of Islam Channel, I am privileged to travel across the UK and, indeed, around the world. Over the decade which has passed since the last GPU, this is the single question I have been asked the most: “When are you bringing back GPU?”
“It is clear in 2024 that this event is needed more than ever. There are elements in society which would prefer to see fragmentation over unity; conflict over peace and division over diversity.
“The Global Peace and Unity Festival 2024 will demonstrate that there is a different path and will, once again, become a focal point for those, who like me, believe that there is a positive and exciting alternative.”
The festival was launched in 2005 to promote interfaith understanding and unity within the diverse communities of the UK. It showcased the contributions of Muslims to British society and provided opportunities for Muslims to celebrate and learn with their families.
The inaugural GPU attracted over 25,000 visitors and established itself as a significant milestone for the Muslim community in the UK. By 2013, attendance had grown impressively to surpass 100,000, cementing the festival’s status as a landmark event in the country.
What to expect
The conference draws an impressive list of international speakers, including acclaimed scholars, top politicians, dignitaries, influential thinkers and celebrities from across the globe.
Speakers include Maulana Tariq Jamil, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan, Sheikh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri, Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick, Naz Shah, Sheikha Fatima Barkatulla amongst many others.
The exhibition will showcase over 500 halal businesses, organisations and unique retailers.
Meanwhile, the ‘Sounds of Faith’ Nasheed concert will bring together renowned national and international artists — one of the biggest concerts of its kind in the West— including Mesut Kurtis, Harris J, Najam Sheraz and Boonaa Mohammed.
The entire event will be broadcast worldwide to tens of millions watching on Islam Channel’s TV and digital platforms,
Other event highlights include:
- Workshops and seminars: A series of educational and informative workshops and seminars covering lifestyle, socio-political, faith and other educational topics
- Kids Zone: Families play a big part in GPU and the dedicated area offers creative and educational activities, games, workshops, funfair and a kids’ stage where every child is a star.
- Sports Zone: Open to men, women, and children, this zone features a diverse lineup of offerings, including a football tournament, kickboxing, martial arts, archery, and sports consultation services.
- Halal food court: Discover a selection of international halal cuisine, snacks, desserts, mocktails, and street food from around the world. Learn about new recipes and cooking trends from famous chefs at the live cookery theatre.
Don’t miss your chance to join the celebration at the must-attend GPU Festival — get your tickets now!
The GPU offers a variety of exhibition and sponsorship opportunities — find out more details.
