Open Iftar 2023 at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall

We had the privilege of attending an Open Iftar event at the iconic Royal Albert Hall as part of the Ramadan Festival 2023. This year, in celebration of their 10th anniversary, the festival is hosting Open Iftar events in 10 cities across the UK, including the bustling capital of London.

Image: Open Iftar 2023, Royal Albert Hall, April 2023. © MTotoe

The Ramadan Festival is an annual celebration of art, culture, and creativity, intended to bring together people of all backgrounds and cultures through unique experiences. These events promote unity, awareness, and understanding while strengthening communities and fostering the growth of meaningful relationships.

The festival is organised by the Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning charity that is committed to creating a world where everyone can coexist in harmony. Their passion lies in facilitating spaces for conversation, mutual understanding, and a sense of belonging. They strive to bridge gaps between individuals of all faiths and none, by cultivating a deeper appreciation of Islam and increasing representation across different communities.

About Ramadan Tent Project? 

The Ramadan Tent Project has humble beginnings, dating back to 2013 when a group of students at SOAS University of London joined hands to create a welcoming space for international students living alone in the UK during the holy month of Ramadan. The simple yet powerful idea was to break fasts together, to foster a sense of community, and to embody the beauty of Islam.

Image: Ramadan Tent Project team and volunteers for Open Iftar 2023, Royal Albert Hall, April 2023. © MTotoe

As the initiative gained momentum, the tent grew beyond serving the student community. It opened its doors to the vulnerable, the homeless, and anyone seeking the warmth of a supportive community. The tent became a beacon of hope, welcoming all who wished to share in the joys of food and faith.

Today, the Ramadan Tent Project has evolved into an award-winning charity that is committed to bringing people of all backgrounds together.

Open Iftar 2023

As part of the Ramadan Festival 2023, five activations will be taking place, and Open Iftar events are the flagship initiative. Since 2013, Open Iftar has connected over 500,000 people across the UK at some of the country's most iconic cultural venues, such as the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium, and Trafalgar Square, as well as at regional events, including the Baltic Museum, Bradford's Centenary Square, Coventry Cathedral, and more. These Open Iftar serves as a bridge between communities, highlighting our commonalities and celebrating our differences, while fostering human connections. It's an invitation that's free and open to all.

Image: Over 400 people gathered for Open Iftar 2023 at Royal Albert Hall, April 2023. © MTotoe

The Open Iftar event we had the pleasure of attending at the Royal Albert Hall was an unforgettable experience. With over 400 attendees, we felt a strong sense of community as we listened to thought-provoking conversations and engaging speakers. Turkey’s Ambassador to the U.K,  Osman Koray Ertaş, reminded us of the significance of Ramadan in bringing people together, sharing his own experiences of solidarity following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and expressing gratitude for the support of the British people. We were also inspired by Jonathan Wilson, a professor at Regent's University London, who shared his personal experiences of faith and praised Open Iftar events as excellent opportunities for sharing experiences and engaging in conversation. The Open Iftar also provides a welcoming environment for communal prayer and, most importantly, breaking the fast with a meal called Iftar.

Image: Jonathan Wilson, Open Iftar 2023, Royal Albert Hall, April 2023. © MTotoe

Iftar, or the breaking of the fast, is one of the most significant points in the day during Ramadan, which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Observing Muslims abstain from all food and water, from the crack of dawn until sunset every day for the month.

Click here to discover Open Iftar happening across the city. To attend you just need to reserve a free ticket.

What is Iftar?

Image: Open Iftar 2023 at Royal Albert Hall, April 2023. © MTotoe

Iftar, the meal that marks the breaking of the fast during Ramadan, is a sacred and cherished tradition. The initial breaking of the fast typically consists of a simple offering of a date and water. After the initial fast is broken, there is a break for prayer, after which a more substantial meal is eaten.The fast itself is a deeply meaningful practice, considered a time for purifying the mind, body, and soul. Offering food to those who are fasting is believed to bring great rewards, inspiring many individuals, organisations, mosques, and community centre to host Iftar gatherings to celebrate the breaking of the fast. While Iftar is not typically a formal ceremony, it is seen as an opportunity to come together with loved ones, savour delicious food, and engage in meaningful conversation, forging deeper connections and a stronger sense of community.

The Ramadan Pavilion

Image: The Ramadan Pavilion at the Victoria & Albert Museum by the Ramadan Tent Project. © MTotoe

The Ramadan Pavilion is a purpose-built architectural structure that is part of the Ramadan Festival 2023, curated by the Ramadan Tent Project. It is a collaboration between the project and the V&A, and is designed by Shahed Saleem. The Pavilion draws inspiration from the history of mosques and Muslims in Britain, as well as from the V&A's Prints and Drawings collection. The Pavilion will host a series of public events and two Open Iftars, aiming to celebrate the experiences of Muslims in the UK and around the world during the holy month of Ramadan. It seeks to promote the core values and traditions of Ramadan through architectural expression and a public arts program.

The Ramadan Pavilion is free to view at the Exhibition Road courtyard of the V&A until 1 May 2023.