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Grand Iftar to return to Bristol Cathedral
After the success of its previous iterations, the Grand Iftar is returning to the nave of Bristol Cathedral for the third consecutive year.
In the Islamic calendar, Iftar marks the moment when Muslims break their fast at sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.
It is an opportunity to spend time with friends, family, and people from the wider community.
This year’s theme, ‘Belonging and Togetherness’, aims to carry added significance following the strong community solidarity demonstrated in response to racially motivated riots across the country last summer.
Iftar prayers will take place outside the Cathedral in an adjacent space, while participants will gather in the nave to exchange greetings and share meals.
Neil Patterson, vice dean of Bristol Cathedral, said: “We are excited to welcome our brothers and sisters of all faiths and backgrounds to come and enjoy a meal in our building.
“We offer our space for this event in celebration of the things that unite us: living together in community and loving one another. We are very fortunate to have such a stunning building in the centre of Bristol, and we want to open it up to the people of Bristol as their Cathedral.”
After the success of its previous iterations, the Grand Iftar is returning to the nave of Bristol Cathedral for the third consecutive year
The event is organised by Muslims4Bristol, in collaboration with Bristol Cathedral and Bridges for Communities, with the aim of fostering community engagement through this multi-faith gathering.
Shenaz Dar, one of the organisers leading the Grand Iftar, said: “The Grand Iftar has been a very special moment shared with our Bristol community since it began in 2017.
“The ethos is to build connection and share special moments across faiths and communities. It demonstrates the beauty of our faith. We seek to correct misperceptions and show how cross-faith events can be. The Grand Iftar is what has brought us together.”
The event will take place on 13 March at Bristol Cathedral, starting at 5pm.
The event is organised by Muslims4Bristol, in collaboration with Bristol Cathedral and Bridges for Communities
Dan Green, director of Bridges for Communities, said: “As a charity focused on building social cohesion, we’re excited to see faith communities working together in new ways. Sharing a meal and listening to one another’s traditions and beliefs is a great starting point for dialogue.
“It doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything, nor is it about mixing or watering down your beliefs or convictions – it’s about spending time together and building on what we have in common. We hope there will be many similar opportunities for people to visit other places of worship throughout the year.”
To sign up for the free event, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grand-iftar
All photos: Rob Browne; video: Martin Booth
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