Mondo
Awaken your senses: London’s Islam Expo
London’s Olympia opens its doors to Europe’s largest Islamic cultural extravaganza
di Staff
The opening ceremony will officially take place on Friday 11th at 6 pm. After the Quran recitation by internationally renowned Sheikh Mohammed Jebril, there will be a host of eminent dignitaries addressing the ceremony. Speakers will include Minister for International Development and MP for Dewsbury, Shahid Malik. Dr. Abdul Bari MBE, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain <http://www.emailbrain.com/sendlink.asp?HitID=1215702807000&StID=45609&SID=1&EmID=74021957&Link=aHR0cDovL2VuLndpa2lwZWRpYS5vcmcvd2lraS9NdXNsaW1fQ291bmNpbF9vZl9Ccml0YWlu>, Yusuf Islam, artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, Ken Livingstone, former Mayor of London, Lord Sheikh, Chairman of the Conservative Muslim Forum and the Conservative Ethnic Diversity Council, Simon Hughes, Shadow leader of the House of Commons and MP for Southwark North & Bermondsey and Alfred Agius, the representative for Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor.
Following the speeches, the audience will enjoy a session of traditional Islamic Entertainment (Nasheed) and performances from Macedonian and South African artists.
The session will conclude with an Awards Ceremony aiming at recognising the outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations within six categories: Investigative Journalism, Sports Personality, Science and Medicine, Better understanding of Islam, Dialogue and Building Bridges and Life-Time Achievement.
On the Saturday and Sunday evenings there will be entertainment with a wide and diverse variety of performers including Outlandish and Kareem Salama. In the Sports Zone a whole array of activities will take place: from photos and autograph sessions with sports stars to an Interfaith Football Tournament between Imams, Priests and Rabbis. A unique Islamic Garden has been created specially for the exhibition, being the ideal setting for a number of shows of poetry and storytelling.
Ismail Patel, Director of Islam Expo said: “This year promises to be bigger and better than ever. Visitors can expect to enjoy concerts, fashion, comedy and cuisine from all over the Muslim world. With over 80 speakers from around the globe taking part in over 33 debates, Islam Expo aims to encourage dialogue and debate on a wide range of pertinent issues.”
The vast exhibition space will feature 14 themed ‘zones’ over 2 floors comprising: family activities, fashion, health & lifestyle, cookery, knowledge, arts, education and much more.
For further information please visit: www.islamexpo.com <http://www.emailbrain.com/sendlink.asp?HitID=1215702807000&StID=45609&SID=1&EmID=74021957&Link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5sb25kb24uZ292LnVrLw%3D%3D>
