Residents from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds came together in Hull during the month of Ramadan at the city’s second large-scale, open community Iftar.
The Grand Community Iftar took place on Sunday 1st March at Hull City Hall, following on from a hugely well-received event held at The Guildhall last year.
With increased demand this year, the event was moved to the bigger City Hall.
There were over 350 attendees, including people from Hull’s diverse communities and ethnicities, creating a shared civic moment.
Invitations were extended to community members, faith leaders, voluntary organisations and other groups by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Cheryl Payne.
She said: “Civic-led Ramadan events have become common in cities and towns across the country over the past 5 years, and it is important that Hull has become part of this tradition.
“We had a successful event at the Guildhall last year, and I’m pleased that interest this year was strong enough that it had to be moved to one of the city’s biggest venues.”
Hull City Council worked alongside Islamic Relief UK and Crisis Response Team as well as the Hull-based Peel Project to stage the event.
Managing director of The Peel Project, Jamal Choudhury, said: “In the blessed month of Ramadan, we are honoured to be involved in Hull’s first Grand Community Iftar.
“Ramadan is a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide, centred on fasting, gratitude, compassion and community.
“Yet for many people in Hull, the meaning behind Ramadan and the experience of breaking fast may not be widely understood.
“Events like these create a welcoming civic space where residents of all faiths and backgrounds can come together and partake in a daily tradition of breaking fast as a community.
“In the past few years, events like these have played an important role in increasing understanding, integrating communities and building trust, and this year’s event was an opportunity for many people to come to experience a Civic function at the City Hall.”
The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “At a time when we’re seeing and hearing so much from those who only seek to divide us, it’s really important that we’ve been able to stage an event like this in Hull as a celebration of our unity.
“People from different faiths came together to share a meal with Muslim residents of the city as they broke their fast, with the format for the event allowing guests to experience Ramadan in a respectful and accessible way.
“We have long been a diverse city, and it is important that we have these shared experiences to help us greater understand and form better connections with our fellow citizens.”