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.”