Blackburn Rovers to host Open Iftar event this Ramadan

The Ramadan Tent Project have unveiled a list of venues across London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester and Belfast. 

Open Iftar invites people from all walks of life and brings communities together of all faiths and none to 'break the Ramadan fast, share food, and wholesome conversations with inspirational guest speakers'.

Ewood Park will be the setting on March 17, with Villa Park hosting the first event on March 12 soon after Ramadan begins on March 10.

The campaign was named Best Live Event at the 2023 Asian Media Awards.

The theme of Ramadan Festival 2024 is 'Heritage: Past, Present, and Future,' which aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Islam and its enduring influence on society.

After hosting the first Open Iftar events at Premier League football stadiums in 2023, this year iftars will be held at a further eight stadiums.

This also includes, for the first time, the homes of Manchester City,  Brentford, AFC Wimbledon, and West Bromwich Albion. 
 
The 2024 calendar will also see the first ever Open Iftar take place at venues such as Tate Modern, Pug's Yard, Windsor Castle Learning Centre (Royal), Principality Stadium Cardiff, V&A Dundee, Young V&A and City Hall, Belfast.

Open Iftar will also return to King’s Cross, King's College Cambridge, the British Library and Battersea Power Station. 

 
Founder and chief executive of Ramadan Tent Project, Omar Salha, said: “For over a decade Ramadan Tent Project has connected and convened over a million people from all backgrounds through its annual Ramadan Festival and flagship initiative Open Iftar. 

"This year’s theme, ‘Heritage: Past, Present & Future’, aims to fulfill a deep understanding and appreciation of our shared cultural heritage in Britain.

"The month of Ramadan is an embodiment of the rich Islamic culture, tradition and heritage that is observed by millions across the globe as a journey of self-reflection, spiritual sustenance, and mindfulness. 

"We are delighted to mark this blessed month and present our Ramadan Festival and series of landmark Open Iftar events highlighting the remarkable contributions and legacy the Muslim world has made to British culture and way of life across the centuries, underpinning the interconnectedness of our societies and communities.” 

Chair of the Rovers South Asian Supporters (Rovers SAS), Dr Zayd Rawoot said: "Rovers SAS have been working closely with the Ramadan Tent Project in recent months to add our beloved Ewood Park to the list of iconic venues for Open Iftar.   

"I believe such an event would be an amazing way to promote community cohesion, bringing together communities from all faiths and backgrounds as we break fast together in unity - 'turning strangers in to friends'.

"I believe it's a great follow on from our recent involvement at Blackburn Rovers for #OneRovers day under the ethos 'one town, one club, one community'."

UK director of Islamic Relief UK, charity partner of Ramadan Tent Project, Tufail Hussain said: "We are once again delighted to be joining hands with the Ramadan Tent Project this year.

"Coming together with the local community and sharing a meal after a day of fasting will be very special. 

"Islamic Relief is known for its work across the world but over the last few years has been reaching out more to families in the UK, especially with the cost-of-living crisis.

"A strong community working together and looking out for its neighbours is crucial, especially for those who are struggling to put food on the table.”

Anyone wanting to volunteer for the event can do so by clicking here

For tickets to the event you will need to register with the Ramadan Tent Project HERE