About Us
Alif New Beginnings is a Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to promoting and celebrating Islamic arts and design across multiple disciplines. We specialise in creating vibrant parade costumes and community events where people come together to co-produce and participate in joyful parades and processions filled with creativity and spirit.
Inspired by the richness of Islamic culture and its global influences, we place equality and diversity at the heart of everything we do. Since 2018, we have collaborated with Muslim communities in Harrow, Luton, and Milton Keynes, engaging families—particularly women and children—in parade performance art through costume-making, live music, and choreography.
Our work has grown to include creative workshops in primary schools across Harrow and Luton as part of National Children’s Carnival Week, in partnership with the UK Centre for Carnival Arts. We have also supported Afghan refugee children through creative projects, helping them integrate into the wider community.
Through our Colours of Eid programme, we have engaged thousands of children in both mainstream and supplementary schools, bringing communities together to celebrate shared values through art and performance. Since 2022, the Colours of Eid festival has become a much-anticipated annual highlight in Luton, featuring children’s live performances and the Act of Kindness Parade, which unites Muslim and non-Muslim communities in celebration.
Building on this success, we are launching Spread the Light, a new initiative of light displays and lantern parades to celebrate Ramadan and Eid in both Luton and London. Beginning with school and community workshops, the project will culminate in public parades and light switch-on events, strengthening intercultural connections and establishing an annual tradition of inclusive celebration.
Our Vision
To make Islamic arts and cultural experiences accessible to all, inspiring creativity, unity, and pride through inclusive celebrations that reflect the richness of Islamic heritage and its global influence.
Our Misson
To celebrate and promote Islamic arts and design through collaborative, community-led parades, performances, and workshops.
To bring together people from all backgrounds, fostering understanding and connection through shared creative experiences.
To provide opportunities for young people and families—especially women and children—to participate, create, and shine in inclusive cultural celebrations.
To build lasting traditions that strengthen community cohesion and highlight the beauty and diversity of Islamic culture.
Our Values
Creativity
We believe in the transformative power of creativity. Through art, costume, music, and performance, we inspire imagination and self-expression in people of all ages and backgrounds.
Inclusivity
We welcome everyone. Our work is rooted in bringing together people from diverse communities to share, learn, and celebrate side by side. We create spaces where all voices are valued and respected.
Cultural Pride
We celebrate the richness and beauty of Islamic heritage and its global influences. By showcasing traditional and contemporary Islamic arts, we nurture a sense of pride, identity, and belonging.
Community Collaboration
We work hand in hand with communities to co-create meaningful artistic experiences. We believe in the power of collective effort to build stronger, more connected communities.
Equality and Diversity
We are committed to ensuring that equality and diversity are at the heart of everything we do. We actively remove barriers to participation and ensure opportunities are accessible to all.
Education and Empowerment
We use art as a tool for learning, empowerment, and personal growth. Through workshops and performances, we give young people and families the confidence to create, lead, and inspire.
Joy and Celebration
Above all, our work is joyful. We celebrate life, culture, and community through vibrant parades and events that uplift, unite, and leave lasting memories.