Islam Expo, Europe’s largest celebration of Islamic culture, tradition, innovation and art will be coming to Olympia’s Grand and National Hall from 11th – 14th July 2008.
Following the successful launch of the show in 2006, this year’s event promises to be bigger, with more features and a panel of special guests and speakers opening the show on Friday 11th July, including ex-London Mayor Ken Livingstone, Lord Sheikh the Chairman of the Conservative Ethnic Diversity Council and Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary General of Muslim Council of Britain.
The event is all about the celebration of Islamic heritage through the forums of culture, art and sport and will provide Muslims and non-Muslims the opportunity to appreciate and discover the best of Islamic customs and tradition.
Islam Expo will be taking up residence in Olympia’s National and Grand Halls and will feature an impressive 14 themed zones, over 2 floors. A beautiful ‘Garden of Paradise’ has been created especially for the exhibition by Islam Expo’s charity partner REEP (The Religious Education and Environment) – who specialise in linking education/interfaith understanding with the environment. The event will also play host to a fashion show with a difference – showcasing on the catwalk Western designs with Eastern values and is sponsored by the UK’s first Muslims women’s magazine, SISTERS. Visitors can expect to see an eclectic mix of current trends by top Muslim designers who are currently capturing the Eastern fashion industry.
Other features include a sports zone that will include an interfaith football match, a cookery zone and food court offering Eastern delicacies, dance and music workshops, health and lifestyle workshops, plus a ‘fun zone’ for kids.
Ismail Patel, Show Director of Islam Expo comments: “We’re really pleased to be coming to Olympia this year; the show has grown since last year, is bigger than before and Olympia’s Grand and National Halls are the prefect platform for us to showcase Islam Expo for 2008. The venue also has good transport links and is a great central London location – both of which are key elements for us in helping to attract more visitors. This event will be an opportunity for us bring together different cultures and celebrate an event that has so many features and attractions on offer.”
Jeremy Rees, Exhibition Sales Director, EC&O Venues added: “We host many different shows here at EC&O and this is the first time that Islam Expo has come to Olympia. We are pleased to welcome a show that offers a unique cultural experience to our visitors and wish the organisers every success with their event.”
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Notes to editors:
Islam Expo is running at Olympia 11-14th July 2008. The official opening will be at 6pm on Friday 11th July.
Visit: www.islamexpo.com for further information.
For further information please contact:
Lynne Marie Cox, Communications Manager, EC&O Venues
lynnemarie.cox@eco.co.uk / 020 7370 8838
www.eco.co.uk
EC&O Venues is the UK’s premier exhibition and conference venue manager. The business comprises Earls Court, Olympia and the Brewery, London’s leading venues for exhibitions, conferences and special events. The three venues hold over 1000 events each year, attracting over 3 million visitors and 30,000 exhibiting companies.