The LSE Interfaith Festival aims to create space for fun, shared experiences, and learning through school-wide observance of cultural and religious celebrations throughout the academic year.
Historically, at LSE, most of these religious celebrations have been commemorated primarily within specific cultural or faith groups. However, these celebrations are perfect opportunities to build bridges between students from across different beliefs and cultures and connect over food, art, stories, music, and history. They provide an accessible and engaging entry point for students to learn about the beliefs and practices of their peers.
It forms part of LSE’s broader Campus Relations work, which aims to build confidence and capability to engage with difference and foster meaningful connections across our community.
How to Participate: Get Your Festival Passport!
Students can collect an Interfaith Festival Passport from the LSE Faith Centre reception. The Interfaith Festival Passport contains information and guidance about the different faiths, and challenges to learn more and participate in the festival. To join in:
- Collect your Interfaith Festival Passport from the LSE Faith Centre reception
- Attend different festival events to earn passport stamps
- Students who collect the most passport stamps throughout the year will be named LSE Interfaith Ambassadors in recognition of their engagement across faith and cultural communities.
Ambassadors will be selected to participate in the Beecken Faith and Leadership Retreat, which provides further development in interfaith dialogue and leadership skills.
Festival Calendar 2025-26
Location: Marshall Great Hall - Ground Floor
Students are invited to paint traditional clay oil lamps (diyas), get henna tattoos, and learn about the significance of light in Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions. This hands-on workshop provides an introduction to Festival of Lights (Diwali) celebrations and offers participants a handcrafted diya to take home.
Location: Saint Mary Le Strand Church
LSE's annual Christmas Carol Service brings together the campus community for an evening of music and reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ.
The carol service is free and open to everyone at LSE. There will be mulled wine and
mince pies for all. This year’s collection will be for the Al-Ahli Hospital Appeal in Gaza.
Click here to sign up for an event reminder
Location: CBG, room TBC
Students can experience the Jewish Festival of Lights through menorah lighting, traditional dreidel games, and refreshments.
Location: CBG or SAW, TBC
This celebration marks the day before Lent begins in Christian tradition. Students are invited to enjoy complimentary pancakes and learn about the observance of Lent and its spiritual significance.
Location: CBG or SAW, TBC
Students are invited to join Muslim peers for a shared iftar meal at sunset, breaking the daily Ramadan fast together. The event also offers insight into the spiritual practice of fasting and the communal aspects of Ramadan observance.
Location: Lincoln Inn Fields
Students can participate in this celebration of spring and the victory of good over evil through colour powder throwing, music, and the creation of a mural.
Location: SAW
This event introduces students to the Sikh tradition of Langar, a community kitchen where all individuals, regardless of background, sit together as equals to share a free meal. The practice demonstrates principles of equality, service, and community that are central to the Sikh faith.