Open Iftar will once again be held in Blackburn as part of the Ramadan Festival 2026, marking another year of communal gathering, reflection, and shared meals during the holy month.
The one-night event is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, and will take place at MyLahore’s Glass Marquee. It forms part of the Ramadan Tent Project’s (RTP) nationwide Open Iftar programme, which spans multiple cities across the UK.
Designed to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds, Open Iftar events aim to foster dialogue, understanding, and togetherness by opening the fast at sunset in a shared setting. More than a dozen similar events are planned across the country throughout Ramadan.
Theme of Hope at the Heart of 2026 Festival
Speaking ahead of the festival, Omar Salha, founder and chief executive of the Ramadan Tent Project, said the return of the festival reflects a message that resonates deeply with the spirit of Ramadan.
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He explained that “hope” has been chosen as the central theme for 2026, describing it as a force that sustains communities through difficulty, encourages generosity, and reminds people of the possibility of renewal.
According to Mr Salha, hope is intrinsic to Ramadan, linking tradition with the future and guiding communities toward compassion, unity, and shared purpose.
UK’s Largest Ramadan Community Initiative
Now entering its 13th year, Open Iftar has grown into the largest Ramadan community event series in the UK. Since it began, organisers say the Ramadan Tent Project has brought together over one million people nationwide.
Over the years, Open Iftar events have been hosted in a wide range of iconic settings, turning well-known landmarks, sporting venues, and historic buildings into spaces for collective reflection and cultural exchange.
Mr Salha noted that the festival’s continued expansion reflects the diversity and vibrancy of modern Britain. He said the use of new venues and public spaces has helped make Ramadan celebrations more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for wider audiences.
He added that the festival stands as a visible reminder of how Ramadan has become part of the country’s broader cultural landscape.
National Launch in London
The Ramadan Festival 2026 will officially begin on Friday, February 20, with an Open Iftar hosted at Banqueting House in London.
Past editions of Open Iftar have been held at prominent locations including Wembley Stadium, Lord’s Cricket Ground, and the State Apartments at Windsor Castle, highlighting the event’s growing national recognition.
The Blackburn gathering is expected to draw attendees from across the local community, continuing the festival’s mission to bring people together through shared values of reflection, generosity, and hope.
