A striking new public artwork celebrating faith, unity, and heritage has been unveiled in Bradford city centre today, marking the countdown to the city’s year as the UK City of Culture in 2025 and the beginning of Ramadan Festival 2025.
The unveiling of the Ramadan Festival on a Friday, also known as Jummah by Muslim communities, is significant as it is considered the most sacred day of the week in Islam.
The Ramadan Pavilion, titled ‘Infinite Light’, is a site-specific architectural installation commissioned by Ramadan Tent Project and Bradford 2025. Designed by artist Zarah Hussain and Bradford-based architectural designer Fatima Mejbil, the pavilion will be in place from 14 April, illuminating Centenary Square throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
Blending architectural influences from across the globe, the pavilion features a double-archway design that symbolises the theme of ‘Connection’, the focus of this year’s Ramadan Festival. The lower arch draws inspiration from the colonnaded courtyards of the holy sanctuary in Mecca, while the higher arch takes its cue from Venetian Gothic architecture, reflecting the ornate forms seen in Bradford’s Victorian-era City Hall.
At sunset each day, the pavilion will light up, marking the end of the daily fast and serving as a welcoming space for people of all faiths and none. It aims to provide a place for reflection, while celebrating Bradford’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.
Fatima Mejbil said: “Bradford’s architectural beauty and diverse communities offered the perfect setting for the Ramadan Pavilion. We wanted to create a space that brings people together, inspiring them to pause, connect, and take pride in the city’s history.”
Artist Zarah Hussain, who lived in Bradford in her twenties, added: “Through this project, I discovered so much about Bradford’s history. The City Hall’s Venetian Gothic style echoes global influences, showing how cultures are always connected. That spirit of exchange and respect is what this pavilion celebrates.”
The Ramadan Tent Project has engaged over a million people through its annual Ramadan Festival and Open Iftar events. Its founder and CEO, Omar Salha, expressed his excitement about the pavilion’s return following its debut at the V&A Museum in London in 2023. “This pavilion is more than a structure; it is a symbol of belonging, dialogue, and learning. It invites everyone to experience the beauty of Islamic art and culture while fostering community spirit,” he said.
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, described the pavilion as “a beacon of light and welcome”. She said: “Ramadan is a time for unity and reflection. Infinite Light merges Victorian grandeur with Islamic geometry to create a space that inspires and uplifts all who enter.”
The Ramadan Pavilion will remain open to the public in Centenary Square throughout Ramadan Festival 2025, offering visitors a chance to explore, reflect, and connect.
For more information, visit ramadantentproject.com and bradford2025.co.uk.
