Faith Inspire marked the start of the school holidays by hosting its annual Winter Family Event on Saturday 20 December at the London Muslim Centre (LMC), drawing more than 300 attendees from across the local community.

The day-long event took place across two floors of the centre, offering a wide range of activities for families and children. The first-floor hall focused on youth activities, including arts and crafts, tomahawk axe throwing, bouncy castles, carrom boards, soft-air shooting and football. On the ground floor, visitors explored a bustling bazaar featuring community stalls, food vendors, bouncy castles, chutneys and refreshments such as tea and coffee.

Food proved popular throughout the day, with Faith Inspire running a food corner serving grilled burgers and biryanis alongside the Inspire Café. Several charity stalls were also present, raising awareness and funds for Gaza and other humanitarian causes. An information stall highlighted Faith Inspire’s ten years of community work and outreach.

Mostafa Hussain, Chair of Faith Inspire, said the Winter Family Event has become a long-standing tradition. “This event during the school holidays has been running for a decade. It also offers an alternative; allowing families to shop for abayas, perfumes or toys, while children enjoy themselves in a halal environment with access to congregational prayers nearby.”

Akrom Miah, a lead organiser, added that the event provides an important social space for the community. “It is a meeting point for friends and families and their children in a safe and friendly environment.”

The event was supported by local businesses and charities, who used the opportunity to promote their services to residents. As the event drew to a close, many stalls offered discounts of up to 50 per cent, keeping attendance strong until the end of the day. Organisers have indicated that plans are already underway to make next year’s event larger.

Faith Inspire is a Muslim community organisation focused on outreach, spiritual development and social change, with a vision of contributing positively to wider British society.

More information can be found in their website: www.faithinspire.org