An estimated 2,000 people celebrated a free community Iftar event on Saturday in London’s iconic Trafalgar Square, with important speakers, mass prayers, times for community reflection – and some great-tasting food!
Organised by the Ramadan Tent Project, the event welcomed both Muslims and non – Muslims to experience the holy month of Ramadan, one of the most important and sacred times for Muslims, which is honoured with a month of fasting. Saturday’s occasion, Iftar, is the evening meal that marks the end of the fast, celebrated at sunset.
Omar Salha, founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning charity which organised the festival, stated his intention was not just to help celebrate, but to open inter-faith dialogue and help understanding between communities.
Discussing the event he told Asian Standard: “From breaking our fast and marking the holy month of Ramadan in some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, sharing meals with people of all faiths and none and connecting hearts and minds under this year’s Ramadan festival 2025 theme of Connection: this has been a truly memorable series of activations for us at Ramadan Tent Project.
“We give thanks to our partners, sponsors and Team Teal volunteers for supporting our mission of turning strangers into friends.
“With a first open Iftar at Windsor Castle and a final gathering here in Trafalgar Square, it is truly a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry that Britain extends to all. We look forward to welcoming thousands more visitors from all backgrounds across our Open Iftar events and throughout our Ramadan Festival 2026 programmes across London and the UK.”
The event saw people from across London and beyond come together in a spirit of faith and community. An attendee who was part of a group of friends from across London said: “Ramadan means everything to us, from the way we give up everything, food and drink to focus on becoming closer to God and our spirituality.”
He went on to describe his feelings on the celebration today: “It’s a mix of happiness and sadness – sadness that it’s over, but happiness that we get to eat!”
Although the event celebrated this important time for those of the Muslim faith, an important aspect was that people from all cultures and ethnicities were equally welcome, to promote friendship and understanding across London.
Rachel Crawford, a non – Muslim who attended with friends from the Muslim community, spoke of her experience: “This Ramadan has been important to me because it’s a time in the world when people are becoming more fractured, and this time of year I have been really embraced by many of my Muslim friends, they have invited me to Iftar to join them in a spirit of connection.
“I have really felt this and a sense of generosity and connection this Ramadan, which has meant a lot in a world where it feels that people are looking for differences, rather than similarities – so yes, a feeling of connection!”
Asked if she was looking forward to Eid, where the end of fasting is celebrated, she commented: “Oh my gosh yes! Eid is the best. Families coming together, eating food, I’m very fortunate to have many Muslim friends, I get invited into their homes, I feel very privileged to take part in celebrating Eid.”
She went on to give her perspective on the importance of the event: “What I have taken personally from this year’s Ramadan is that we need to focus on what brings us together, even in our differences. At the end of the day, community, friendship, service food, humility, gratitude, and the things that bring us together.”
The strong sense of communise coming together was reinforced by the Aziz Foundation, which sponsored the event. Rahima Aziz BEM, a trustee of the Aziz Foundation describes: “This year’s theme of ‘Connection’ perfectly reflects our mission to empower British Muslims by creating pathways to postgraduate scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities, while strengthening our commitment to community engagement.
“We are honoured to support the Ramadan tent Project in fostering unity and look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership for years to come.”
This overall sense of shared friendship and community was reflected throughout the day. Starting at 4:30, the event went on well into the evening with a series of keynote speakers and a solemn time of prayer, finishing with long but happy queues of people eager to break their fast with some of the tasty and authentic food that was handed out for free.
The event was part of a series of open Iftar events across the UK, in major cities including Belfast, Bradford, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dundee Sheffield, Newcastle, Cambridge, London and Windsor, in venues as spectacular as Windsor Castle, Shakespeare’s Globe and even Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Whether you are celebrating Eid on Sunday or Monday, here at Asian Standard, we wish all who celebrate a very Happy Eid Mubarak!
