London's Docklands is hosting Britain's first ever halal food festival this weekend, drawing visitors from as far as Australia to the ExCeL Centre. The event, aimed at 'haloodies'—enthusiasts of halal food and drink from any background—features live cookery demonstrations, celebrity chefs, cooking classes, and restaurant and street food exhibitors.
The festival reflects the growing halal food market, which is worth billions of pounds. According to the latest census, there are 2.7 million Muslims in the UK with an estimated spending power of £20bn. In London, more than one in ten residents is now Muslim. London Mayor Boris Johnson, whose great-grandfather was Muslim, supports the event, stating: 'The halal food industry is worth millions to our economy, and it is entirely right that this event should be taking place in London.'
Multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean Christophe Novelli is participating, saying: 'Having been brought up to respect all religions and faiths, cooking halal meats for friends and neighbours is as natural for me as it is preparing vegetables for vegetarians.' Halal, meaning 'permissible' or 'lawful', involves specific slaughter methods and ethical business standards, including a single cut to the throat rather than stunning.
However, the festival has faced opposition. Peter Williamson from Brighton started an online petition calling for Tower Hamlets Council to ban the event, arguing that 'the ritual slaughter of all halal animals is extremely cruel.' Over 3,000 people signed, but supporters contend halal slaughter is kinder than stun guns. Fast food stalls have been excluded from the festival to focus on culinary quality, according to founder Dr Imran Kauser.
Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, and the Mayor of London occasionally serve halal food for guests. Festival organisers believe demand from middle-class Muslims could significantly reshape the UK's restaurant landscape.
