Open Iftar is the flagship initiative of the Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning British charity founded in 2013. It is the UK's largest community event during the Holy Month of Ramadan, designed to bring people of all faiths and backgrounds together to break their fast.
The Ramadan Tent Project, a multi-award-winning charity founded in 2013, has officially launched its flagship 2026 program under the evocative theme of "Hope." Described by organisers as the quiet strength that guides us through reflection and renewal, the theme serves as a living force designed to restore faith in one another and nurture compassion across diverse communities.
The project is best known for its "Open Iftar" events, which have connected over one million people globally by providing free meals and fostering meaningful conversation at sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.
Under the theme of 'hope', this year’s festival aims to be more than just a communal meal, creating a curated experience aimed at breaking down barriers and reshaping perceptions. The initiative has become a cornerstone of Ramadan in the UK, moving beyond traditional religious spaces to occupy the country’s most prestigious historic landmarks and cultural institutions. By creating a space where commonalities are highlighted and differences are celebrated, the project continues its decade-long journey of "turning strangers into friends."
Iconic Venues and 2026 Highlights
Last year's edition of the initiative saw the first Iftar meal to be hosted in Windsor Castle, and the 2026 selection of venues continues to uphold the project's tradition of securing unique and breathtaking locations.
This year, in London, Open Iftar will once again return to the landmark Windsor Castle, and also be hosted in both Shakespeare’s Globe, and Battersea Power Station. There will also be a series will feature high-profile gatherings at the British Library and Lord’s Cricket Ground, while also maintaining its massive presence in Trafalgar Square for the final stages of the month.
Beyond the capital, the shared Iftar experience is expanding its reach into regional hubs, including planned events at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, the Brighton Dome, Silverstone Circuit and King’s College Cambridge. Each event combines the traditional call to prayer and a nutritious, shared meal with engaging speeches, spiritual reflection, and community storytelling, ensuring that every attendee leaves with a deeper understanding of the values that unite us.
Week 1
- Friday February 20 - Banqueting House, London @historicroyalpalaces
- Friday February 20 - Bradford Live Venue, Bradford @bradfordlive
- Saturday February 21 - Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire @silverstonecircuit
- Saturday February 21 - Bradford Live Venue, Bradford @bradfordlive
- Saturday February 21 - The Glass Marquee by MyLahore, Blackburn @mylahoreglassmarquee
- Sunday February 22 - Soho Theatre, Walthamstow, London @sohotheatre
- Sunday February 22 - King's College, Cambridge @kings.college
Week 2
- Friday February 27 - Brighton Dome, Brighton @brighton_dome
- Saturday February 28 - Shoreditch Town Hall, London @shoreditchth
- Sunday March 1 - Battersea Arts Centre, London @batterseaartscentre
Week 3
- Friday March 6 - National Gallery, London @nationalgallery
- Saturday March 7 - Glasgow City Chambers, Glasgow
- Sunday March 8 - The Library of Birmingham, Birmingham @the_library_of_birmingham
Week 4
- Friday March 13 - AFC Wimbledon, London @afc_wimbledon
- Sunday March 15 - 22 Bishopsgate, London @22bishopsgate_
- Monday March 16 - Trafalgar Square, London @mayorofldn
How to Attend
Due to the popularity of these events and the historic, unique nature of the venues, attending an Open Iftar requires the booking of tickets ahead of time. Albeit the tickets and experience is free to enjoy, the capacity for each location is strictly limited. For those hoping to enjoy these Iftar experiences, they are open to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds.
This year, the Ramadan Tent Project has confirmed that tickets for 2026 are released exclusively via their official email newsletter. Prospective guests are encouraged to subscribe through the charity’s website to receive early-access announcements, as batches of tickets often sell out within minutes of being made live. Once a ticket is secured, entry is typically granted on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.
