From the roar of Formula 1 engines to the hush of sunset prayer, Ramadan 2026 is beginning in spectacular fashion, with some of Britain’s most iconic venues opening their doors for Open Iftar.
For the first time in history, Silverstone Circuit, home of the British Grand Prix and the site of the first Formula 1 World Championship race in 1950, will host an Open Iftar. On Saturday 21 February, the world-famous motorsport venue will swap high-speed racing for reflection, community and the breaking of fast.
It marks a historic first: a global sporting landmark transforming into a space of faith and unity.
Stuart Pringle, Chief Executive of Silverstone, said:
“Silverstone has always been a place where history is made, and we are proud to mark a new and meaningful first by hosting our inaugural Open Iftar in partnership with Ramadan Tent Project. Opening our doors during the holy month of Ramadan is a privilege, and an opportunity for us to use this iconic space in a different way, one centred on community, connection and shared experience.”
The event forms part of Ramadan Festival 2026, led by Ramadan Tent Project, now in its 13th year. Under this year’s theme, Hope, the multi-award-winning Open Iftar series will take place across eight UK cities at celebrated landmarks nationwide.
The festival begins at another historic address, Banqueting House. On Friday 20 February, the magnificent survivor of the lost Palace of Whitehall, cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, will host its first ever Open Iftar.
It is believed to be the first time in more than 400 years that the royal setting will welcome guests to break their fast within its grand walls. The moment follows last year’s landmark iftar held inside Windsor Castle’s State Apartments.
Justine Locker, Head of Banqueting House, said:
“As the last remaining part of the lost Palace of Whitehall, this space has witnessed centuries of national, cultural and spiritual moments. Opening the doors to communities from across London and beyond to celebrate the shared values of reflection, compassion and togetherness embodied by Ramadan continues this legacy.”
Alongside Silverstone and Banqueting House, Open Iftars will also be held at King’s College Cambridge, Soho Theatre Walthamstow, Bradford Live and The Glass Marquee by MyLahore.
In Waltham Forest, Soho Theatre Walthamstow will host Open Iftar for the first time this Sunday, returning after January’s Welcome Ramadan Conference. Creative Associate and Co-Chair Alessandro Babalola described the event as a “heartwarming conflation” of his identity as a Muslim, artist and local resident.
“It fills me with immense pride that our stunning venue will play a part in the month of Ramadan, a time for peaceful reflection, generosity and appreciation of community,” he said.
At King’s College Cambridge, Fellow Henning Grose-Ruse Khan welcomed the return of the event, describing it as “a wonderful opportunity for Muslims and non-Muslims from across Cambridge to gather”.
Omar Salha, Founder and Chief Executive of Ramadan Tent Project, said the 2026 theme of Hope felt especially timely.
“Hope is what carries communities through challenge, inspires generosity, and reminds us that renewal is always possible. It is central to Ramadan,” he said.
“Entering our 13th year, it is remarkable to witness the growth of the festival across new spaces and landmarks that reflect the diversity and dynamism of our nation. It is a powerful symbol of how Ramadan is part of Britain’s rich cultural ecology.”
Beyond Open Iftar, the wider Ramadan Festival programme will also see the return of Fast A Day, encouraging workplaces to experience a day of fasting to build understanding, and Ramadan Run Club, creating safe spaces for physical activity and connection during the holy month.
Since its inception, Ramadan Tent Project says it has welcomed more than one million people nationwide, transforming historic, cultural and sporting landmarks into spaces of shared belonging.
This year, as the sun sets over racetracks, royal halls and theatre stages, Ramadan’s message of compassion and connection will echo in places more often associated with speed, spectacle and ceremony, proving once again that faith and culture continue to shape Britain’s evolving story.
The Open Iftar programme for Ramadan Festival 2026 includes the following dates and venues: (further locations and dates to be announced)
WEEK ONE
Friday 20 February: Banqueting House, London + Bradford Live
Saturday 21 February: Silverstone Circuit + Bradford Live + MyLahore Glass Marquee, Blackburn
Sunday 22 February: Soho Theatre Walthamstow, London + King’s College, Cambridge
WEEK TWO
Friday 27 February: Brighton Dome, Brighton Saturday 28 February: Shoreditch Town Hall, London Sunday 1 March: Battersea Arts Centre, London
WEEK THREE
Friday 6 March: National Gallery, London
Saturday 7 March: Guildhall, City of London + Glasgow City Chambers, Glasgow
Sunday 8 March: Library of Birmingham, Birmingham
WEEK FOUR
Friday 13 March: AFC Wimbledon, London Sunday 15 March: 22 Bishopsgate, London Monday 16 March: Trafalgar Square, London
