Leeds’ Civic Hall was transformed into a place of reflection, unity and celebration this week as civic leaders, faith figures and community guests gathered for a special Ramadan iftar hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds.
The event, held on Wednesday 4 March in the Civic Hall’s Banqueting Suite, brought together a diverse mix of guests including the Leader of Leeds City Council, community leaders and faith representatives for an evening centred on understanding and togetherness.
Hosted by Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Cohen, the gathering also welcomed HM Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Professor Adeeba Malik CBE, and Children’s Mayor of Leeds Sienna Silva-Farber.
The civic iftar, only the fourth to be held at Civic Hall, marked the moment Muslims break their daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
As the sun set over Leeds, Qari Asim MBE of Makkah Mosque delivered the traditional call to prayer, signalling the moment the fast could be broken. Guests followed tradition by eating dates and drinking water, before sharing a buffet meal together.
But the evening was about far more than food.
A group of Foster4Leeds carers, who either practise Islam or care for Muslim children, were specially invited by the Lord Mayor in recognition of their dedication to supporting vulnerable young people across the city.
Faith leaders from across Leeds also attended, including Bishop of Kirkstall Reverend Arun Arora and the Lord Mayor’s chaplain Rabbi Anthony Gilbert, highlighting the city’s commitment to interfaith dialogue.
The evening was hosted by Councillor Asghar Khan, executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, with support from Councillor Abdul Hannan.
Speakers included the Children’s Mayor, the Lord Lieutenant and Council Leader Councillor James Lewis, who reaffirmed the city’s commitment to tackling discrimination and promoting unity.
Councillor Cohen said the civic iftar was becoming an important Leeds tradition.
He said: “The civic iftar meal is an opportunity to bring together all the communities the office of the Lord Mayor represents and build harmony, trust and understanding between our cultures.
“Ramadan is not only a time of fasting, it is a time of reflection, charity and coming together.”
Councillor Lewis added that the council remained committed to tackling anti-Muslim prejudice and celebrating the contributions of British Muslims across the city.
He said: “British Muslims make enormous contributions to life in Leeds every single day, and events like this are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate that.”
As candles flickered and conversations flowed around the banquet tables, the evening served as a powerful reminder of one simple message, Ramadan is not just about fasting, but about community, compassion and connection.
