The UK: Grand Parade and Activities in London Celebrate World Falun Dafa Day

(Minghui.org) Practitioners held a grand parade and rally in the center of London on May 10, 2025, to celebrate the 26th World Falun Dafa Day, which falls on May 13. This day is also the 33rd anniversary of the public introduction of the spiritual practice and the birthday of its founder, Master Li Hongzhi.

Practitioners wished Master Li a happy birthday during activities in central London on May 10.

It was a bright, sunny day, and the rare good weather added a joyous note to the day’s activities. The parade included a waist drum team, celestial maidens, dragon dancers, and practitioners demonstrating the exercises. From the Chinese embassy, the procession passed through London’s busiest shopping district including Regent Street, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Square, and Chinatown. Colorful flags and drum beats created an upbeat yet tranquil atmosphere. Many people stopped to watch and took photos.

Practitioners’ grand parade in London on May 10 celebrated World Falun Dafa Day.Dragon dancers in the parade passed through London’s Chinatown.

The parade ended at the north end of Trafalgar Square, where a press conference and celebratory activities were held.

People from All Walks of Life Support Falun Dafa at Press Conference

A press conference was held after the parade.

Letters expressing support for Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) and best wishes for a successful event were received from elected officials including Jim Shannon, chairman of FORB Freedom of Religion and Belief.

Benedict Rogers, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party’s human rights commission and well known human rights activist, and Steven Tsang, a Hong Kong human rights activist, spoke at the conference.

Caroline from the Falun Dafa Association in the UK spoke at the conference.

In her speech, Caroline a representative from the Falun Dafa Association, said, “In over 100 countries globally, people are doing an extraordinary thing—celebrating Falun Dafa day together.

“Falun Dafa is an amazing mind and body practice with a long history. This ancient cultivation practice has changed the lives of millions of people worldwide. We are grateful for the positive influence Falun Dafa has brought to our lives. It brings us deep joy and encourages us to become kinder, selfless, and more forgiving to those around us.

“Falun Dafa has been able to spread so successfully to all parts of the world because of the values it teaches. Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance transcends cultural boundaries. It is able to help anyone improve themselves to become better individuals.”

John Dee, chairman of the Friends of Falun Gong Europe, hopes the precious qualities of the practice will be key to changing humanity in the future.

John Dee, chairman of the Friends of Falun Gong Europe, said in his speech, “Falun Dafa has far-reaching effects on hundreds of millions of people. It has become an important power in pushing humanity towards kindness, awakening, and justice. Dafa teaches people to treat others with kindness, to look within at one’s shortcomings when there is a problem, to not blame or resent others, and to keep searching for the truth.

“We sincerely hope such precious qualities can be key to changing humanity in the future. We would also like to thank Mr. Li Hongzhi. Today is Master Li’s birthday. We sincerely wish him Happy Birthday!”

Benedict Rogers said the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance taught by Falun Gong will overcome everything.

Benedict Rogers, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party’s human rights commission, said in his speech, “As Falun Gong practitioners, the three major values, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, that you abide by are not only the values of Falun Dafa. As a Christian, I share the same values. It is also the same belief of many other religious followers. These principles are universal, they are the commonwealth of the entire human race.

“I empathize with the persecution you suffer. The CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners makes me heartbroken every day and my soul uneasy.

“Without justice, there will not be lasting peace. There must be confession in true reconciliation. This means there must be accountability. Not for revenge, but for justice.

“There will come a day when the principles you stand by firmly—Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, that common belief shared by the entire human race—will overcome everything.”

Steven Tsang, a lecturer at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was forced to retire because he supported the umbrella movement in Hong Kong.

Steven Tsang is partnering with others to set up a Hong Kong parliament outside the island to support Hong Kong people all over the world. He said, “I understand the core of your belief, I see your persistence and also understand it is a correct faith that is worth upholding.

“You made me realize an important thing: Regardless of religion, nationality, or the color of our skin, we are one.

“I believe everything you do is not just for yourself but for all of humanity.”

Practicing Cultivation Is Life’s Most Precious Gift

Before Joy Duguid began practicing Falun Dafa 15 years ago, she suffered from anxiety and fear due to her son’s illness. She saw an ad in the newspaper about free Falun Gong classes and signed up. The first time she did the exercises, she felt the tension in her shoulders of many years dissolve and her mind calmed down. As she studied the teachings, she was drawn to the profound principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Joy said that practicing cultivation helped her get rid of her negative emotions such as blaming others, losing her temper, and so on. She learned to reflect on areas she needed to improve on and stepped on the path to purifying her soul. Now, she is able to face pressures, physical pain, and family conflicts with a more peaceful, tolerant mindset. She is grateful to Mr. Li Hongzhi’s guidance and believes Falun Dafa is her life’s most precious gift.

Public Support

People sign the petition to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Dafa in China.

Along the parade and during the celebrations, many people stopped to watch, take photos, accept flyers, and express support for Falun Dafa.

Liz, a professional in the UK’s national health system, said she was drawn to the overall color design, decoration, and presentation of the activities. She said, “The event appeared very striking from afar. The colors were rich and it was beautifully decorated, giving one a pleasant feeling overall.”

About those who spoke at the conference, she said, “The speeches were excellent and clearly explained things. They were easy to understand, and the speakers passed on valuable information. It is very easy for people to understand what you are doing and the purpose behind it.”

When she learned that Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are the main tenets of Falun Dafa, Liz said, “I think your principles are real and powerful. Now, in this society, people need to do more kind deeds, spend more time meditating, look for inner peace. Indeed, this is important. I think I will give it a try tonight!”

Samy, a nurse in the health system, expressed admiration for the courage shown by practitioners in protesting the persecution through peaceful means and their belief in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. He emphasized that a resistance movement like this is necessary and meaningful.

He said he was from Iran, a country under autocratic rule, so he understands the stress people who live in such places suffer from. He said, “We cannot bow to such a government. Only those like you who are willing to stand up can bring change. As long as people are willing to act, willing to fight, change is possible.

“I will tell my coworkers, doctors, and more people what I saw and learned today. This is very important.”