Iftar is an incredibly important moment for Muslims. Sure, it’s when they break fast at sunset during Ramadan and it’s also a time spent bonding with friends, family and the community. And, for a third year in a row, a Grand Iftar event will be held at Bristol Cathedral.
Working with Muslims4Bristol and Bridges for Communities, Bristol Cathedral will open its doors to people of all faiths and share a meal on Thursday, March 13. This year, the special multi-faith event is themed around ‘Belonging and Togetherness’, with Iftar prayers taking place outside the Cathedral in an adjacent facility.
This Grand Iftar event comes halfway through Ramadan, which starts on the evening of Friday, February 28 and ends on Sunday, March 30. The event is free and open to everyone (from 5 pm to 7:30 pm), but tickets must be booked beforehand (maximum 6 per person) and shown upon arrival to Bristol Cathedral.
“Sharing a meal and listening to one another’s traditions and beliefs is a great starting point for dialogues,” said a spokesperson for Bridges for Communities. “It doesn’t mean you have to agree about everything, and it’s not about mixing or watering down your beliefs or convictions – it’s about spending time together where you can build on what we have in common.”
It’s unlikely to be the only Grand Iftar event held in Bristol this Ramadan. Grant Iftar on St Marks Road in Easton has been an equally important event in the city since it launched in 2017, starting in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing to promote peace and unity among communities. No details for this have yet been announced, however.
To book your free tickets to Grand Iftar at Bristol Cathedral head here.