Bristol Cathedral to Host Grand Iftar Celebrating Community Togetherness

A big Muslim celebration happens next month. It’s at Bristol Cathedral, a Church of England building, and is called a Grand Iftar. Muslims break their Ramadan fast at sunset and share a meal with all.

The cathedral partners with Muslims4Bristol and Bridges for Communities. This is the third Grand Iftar held there. The cathedral wants to welcome everyone and desires to share its building.

Neil Patterson spoke about everyone enjoying a meal, celebrating community, and opening up the cathedral. The building, he emphasized, is for all Bristol people.

The Grand Iftar started in 2017 and grew into a big event. After Covid, they moved it. It will be on March 13th at 5 pm, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Shenaz Dar organizes the Grand Iftar, saying it builds connections and showcases the beauty of the Muslim faith. The event serves to correct misperceptions and highlight cross-faith engagements. Over 350 people will share a meal, have conversations, and meet others.

The event is free and accessible, but people must obtain free tickets. Dan Green, from Bridges for Communities, is excited for faith communities cooperating; he believes sharing meals starts dialogue and builds common ground, not requiring agreement on everything.

The Iftar’s theme is “Belonging and Togetherness”, and Iftar prayers are near the cathedral. Mohamed A Sayaqle helps organize the event, having seen the Grand Iftar unite people since volunteering in 2017, and appreciates the partnership.

The Grand Iftar brings city residents together as people share food and stories. Volunteers are very important because they provide warmth and hospitality. Young volunteers promote community and highlight togetherness.

This event helps build relationships and emphasizes community cohesion.