(Minghui.org) Practitioners held a grand parade and a rally in London on May 9, 2026 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day (May 13). They thanked their founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, for introducing the practice 34 years ago.

Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, consists of five exercises and the principles of Truthfulness -Compassion-Forbearance. After it was introduced to the public in May 13, 1992, millions of people worldwide began practicing. In gratitude for the huge physical and mental benefits they received, practitioners began celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in 2000.

A grand parade was held in London on May 9, 2026, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day (Minghui.org)

The parade started near the Chinese Embassy and continued along Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Piccadilly Circus. Many passersby took photos or videos, and some applauded the practitioners. After the parade arrived at Trafalgar Square, a rally was held that included speeches. Practitioners also demonstrated the exercises.

A rally was held at Trafalgar Square (Minghui.org)

Positive Impact on Society

Caroline from the Falun Dafa Association of the UK addressed the rally. (Minghui.org)

During the rally, Caroline from the Falun Dafa Association described the benefits Falun Dafa brought to practitioners and their families, and said the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance not only helped practitioners become better citizens, but also have a positive impact on society.

However, the practice has been suppressed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since July 1999. The CCP recently extended the persecution overseas. Caroline thanked the British government for its efforts to safeguard human rights. On May 7, a British court in London found two men guilty of spying for Hong Kong and China. Caroline said the court’s ruling helps to end the CCP’s “shadow police” operations in the UK

Support from Elected Officials

Lord Dolar Popat

Lord Dolar Popat wrote a letter to the Falun Dafa Association to wish practitioners success. “I have heard about your amazing work and the significance of World Falun Dafa Day, and I appreciate you reaching out,” he wrote.

“Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the event on 9 May as I am already committed. However, I would like to extend my best wishes for a successful and meaningful gathering, and I hope the event is well attended.”

Benedict Rogers

Benedict Rogers, Senior Director of Fortify Rights, is also Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission. He also wrote a letter highlighting the importance of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

“The persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China breaks my heart and weighs on my conscience every day,” Mr. Rogers wrote. “Falun Gong practitioners in China have endured the most brutal, horrific repression for too long. Over the past decade I have stood with you – organising or speaking in or attending hearings in Parliament, writing op-eds, speaking at rallies and in media interviews.

“I was privileged to play a small part in helping to spark the independent China Tribunal into forced organ harvesting chaired by distinguished British barrister Sir Geoffrey Nice KC seven years ago. That tribunal judgment helped change the narrative about forced organ harvesting, and helped begin to open the mindsets of many to this hitherto forgotten horror.

“The world needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance more than ever in these dark and troubling times,” Mr. Rogers added. “Those are values around which all people of humanity can unite and work for freedom, democracy, human rights, justice and peace,” he concluded. “One day we will all celebrate World Falun Dafa day freely on the streets of China. But for today, as you celebrate on the streets of London, I stand with you in spirit and solidarity.”

Universal Values

John Dee from the Friends of Falun Gong (Minghui.org)

John Dee, chairman of the Friends of Falun Gong Europe, said the CCP is aware of Falun Dafa’s benefits. In fact, the regime initially praised Falun Dafa for improving citizens’ health and morals. But as the number of practitioners increased, the Party viewed Falun Dafa as a threat and launched a nationwide persecution in July 1999.

Mr. Dee explained the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are mankind’s universal values and that is why the CCP cannot tolerate it. But the upright will prevail. He hopes practitioners in China will regain their freedom and more people in society will benefit from practicing Falun Dafa.

Finding the True Path

Rosemary (Minghui.org)

Rosemary, a practitioner in the UK, said she traveled extensively and spend a lot of money seeking alternative healing treatments for her gynecological and digestive issues. In her quest for inner peace, and a cure for her depression, she tried various meditations and qigong practices and even went to India on spiritual retreats. “But it was in vain. There was something missing, questions about life still unanswered, unresolved health issues and a void in my heart that those practices could not fill,” she recalled.

One day in 1999, she saw a flyer pinned to a notice board in her local health food shop with the words “Falun Gong for mind and body – free teaching”. “This looked interesting, so I went to the local free class. I was enchanted by the peaceful music and easy to learn meditative exercises,” Rosemary said.

By going to the class and studying the main book of Falun Dafa—Zhuan Falun, Rosemary gained a better understanding of life. “The most dramatic change was my outlook on life. As I improved my moral character and kept practising the exercises, my mood lifted and my health was soon restored. My body felt more energetic and relaxed and I slept well,” she said. “This was just what I had been looking for—a holistic practice of mind and body. I stopped doing the other practices and I focused on Falun Dafa.”

The brutal persecution of Falun Dafa in China has gone on for 27 years. Rosemary thanked Falun Dafa and Master Li. “I have an anchor to keep me grounded in this troubled world, and a beacon of light to help me navigate through challenges in life and to support and encourage others to also benefit from Falun Dafa,” she explained.

People Are Interested in Learning About Falun Dafa

Passersby signed petitions that call to end the persecution of Falun Dafa (Minghui.org)

Tourists and local residents were interested in learning more about Falun Dafa. Some signed petitions urging to stop end the CCP’s brutality.

IT professional Stormy (Minghui.org)

Stormy, an IT professional who works in healthcare in Florida, said this was her first visit to London. She watched the parade and agreed with Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. “It’s hard to imagine such a peaceful practice is persecuted. It’s really shocking,” she said. She plans to look into the practice when she returns to the US.

Judy (Minghui.org)

Judy, who lives in London, likes Falun Dafa and said the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are needed in our society. A government should support these values instead of suppressing them. She was glad to hear there was a local Falun Dafa workshop that was free and said she was interested in learning the exercises.

Inga and his daughter (Minghui.org)

Inga from Norway signed a petition to end the persecution. “I hope the CCP stops interfering with freedom of belief because Falun Dafa’s values, Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, are important,” he explained.