2016 image of Eid celebration in London shared as recent

What's being claimed?

An image of people gathered in front of a stage-like structure which has a 'EID FESTIVAL' banner at the entrance, is being shared on social media platforms with the caption that the picture shows the Islamic festival of Eid being celebrated in London on April 24. The post also alleges that no parking charges or other charges were applied to the revelers. The users sharing the posts criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan, alleging he is showing 'brotherhood' for people of his community by not charging them. People in the comments also claimed that other festivals are not celebrated this way. An archived version of apost sharing the photo with the viral narrative can be viewed here.

The viral image circulating online. (Source: Facebook/Twitter/Screenshot/Modified by Logically Facts)

However, the image shows Eid celebrations at Trafalgar Square from 2016. Many other festivals are also hosted at the public square without the participants having to pay any charges.

Here are the facts

We examined the image and found that it had the watermark of 'Alamy,' a stock photo website. We then found the same image on Alamy (archived here) posted on July 9, 2016. It was captioned: "Large crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square to celebrate the Muslim festival of EID, hosted by the Mayor of London's office," and was attributed to photographer Claire Doherty.

Screenshot of the original image from Alamy. (Source: Alamy)

According to a Buzzfeed report published on July 9, 2016, Eid was celebrated at Trafalgar Square. Londoners gathered and witnessed live entertainment, cuisine, and artwork under Sadiq Khan, London's first Muslim mayor. The celebration was free of charge for all citizens, not only Muslims. 

It is to be noted that other festivals are also hosted at the square free of cost for London residents and visitors. According to the Mayor of London's website, while Eid was celebrated on April 20, Vaisakhi, a festival celebrated by Sikhs commemorating the tenth Guru of the Sikhs' founding of the Khalsa Panth, was celebrated on April 06, free of cost. On Sunday, April 21, 2024, the annual St George's Day festival was held at Trafalgar Square. The past events section of the website shows that other holidays like St Patrick's Day, Diwali, Christmas carol service, etc were held at the square free of cost. 

The verdict

A 2016 image of Eid celebrations in London has been shared with a misleading narrative. Festivals of other religions are also celebrated at the square free of charge for Londoners. Therefore, we mark this claim as misleading.