Faiths unite at London’s first Interfaith Wellbeing Festival

London’s first Interfaith Wellbeing Festival drew crowds to Paddington Recreation Ground on Bank Holiday Monday, with Jewish and Muslim groups at the forefront of a lively celebration of diversity, health, and friendship.

The free, family-friendly event was co-produced by the Faith & Belief Forum and Maccabi GB, with partners including Mitzvah Day, NishkamSWAT, The Delicate Mind, Salaam Peace, Made in Hackney, and Faiths in Tune. Backed by Dangoor Education, the day featured a broad line-up of activities designed to promote physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing.

Visitors dipped in and out of a packed programme: football skills sessions with QPR FC; yoga, meditation, and reflection zones; workshops on community cohesion; and live music from the London Male Jewish Choir, Shumei Taiko drummers, and other multicultural performers. A diverse food court offered kosher, halal, and vegan dishes, reinforcing the inclusive spirit.

Ashley Lerner, Chief Executive of Maccabi GB, said: “I don’t think there’s ever been a time when interfaith and wellbeing have been as needed as today. The sun shone down on us, and it’s been an incredible day full of incredible communities.”

David Dangoor, whose family foundation was a lead supporter, underlined the Jewish role in making it happen: “This is about showing that communities can come together, celebrate diversity, and do something positive at a time when the world can feel so divided. The Jewish community has always believed in the importance of working with others and today was a shining example of that in action.”

Michael Ziff, President of Maccabi GB and a trustee of the Faith & Belief Forum, added: “It’s been incredible to see people of all faiths mixing, smiling, and learning from one another. That’s what London does best. The best way to build bridges is by actually spending time together, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen here.”

Workshops ran throughout the day. Mitzvah Day’s Laura Marks reflected on how shared social action has become a bridge-builder for years: “We all want to give back and meet people from different backgrounds, but it’s not easy to knock on the door of your local mosque or church. Events like this give people that chance – to connect, to share, and to do something good together.”

Muslim-led organisations also played a central part. Haijia Saidat Oketunde, representing her community group, said: “Interfaith allows us to respect one another and create peace and harmony. Today has been perfect – we’ve made connections, built friendships, and that’s the key.”

Elsewhere, Jewish wellbeing charity J-Hive fielded questions from Jewish and non-Jewish visitors on how to support employees with inclusivity training. Daniel Levy explained: “If organisations run Islamophobia training or other sessions on faith inclusion, Jewish needs should sit within that mix too. Days like this help get that message across.”

Other highlights included a creative arts zone for children, a panel on faith, and community wellbeing hosted by the Faith & Belief Forum, and interactive workshops from mental health mentors and interfaith chaplains. One panellist noted, “Your neighbour is your world. That’s where building peace begins.”

Local residents stopped by between festival sessions and the nearby Notting Hill Carnival. Some lingered in the shade for mindfulness activities, while others joined football kickabouts and listened to live drumming and choirs.

Organisers estimated that around 1000 people took part over the course of the day. One summed up the mood: “The venue worked brilliantly, the atmosphere was warm, and the feedback has been hugely positive. There’s every reason to believe this could become an annual event.”