• Ramadan Tent Project announces the return of Open Iftar, as Ramadan Festival 2026 kicks off with Welcome Ramadan Conference
• Silverstone Circuit to become first motorsport venue in history to host Open Iftar 
• Hope is the chosen theme for this Year’s Ramadan Festival 2026
• Historic Royal Palace Banqueting House to host first Open Iftar in over 400 Years
• Glasgow City Chambers will host its first Open Iftar in 138 years

LONDON, 2 February 2026 – Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) has announced the return of its multi-award-winning Open Iftar, marking its 13th year of bringing people of all faiths and none together through culture, community and connection. The announcement was made at the Welcome Ramadan Conference, marking the launch of Ramadan Festival 2026 for the first time at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, under this year’s Festival theme of Hope.

A key moment for Ramadan Festival 2026 will see Silverstone Circuit, home of the British Grand Prix, host its first ever Open Iftar. On Saturday 21 February, the world-famous circuit which hosted the first-ever Formula 1 World Championship race in 1950, will be the first motorsport venue in history to open its doors to the local community and visitors alike, fostering connection during the holy month in a truly unique setting. An unprecedented evening of faith and reflection in the fast lane – at one of the world’s fastest and famous racing venues.
The Open Iftar at Silverstone follows in the footsteps of other iconic British sporting venues which have hosted Open Iftar events in partnership with Ramadan Tent Project including Wembley Stadium, Lord’s Cricket Ground, Principality Stadium, Premier League venues such as Stamford Bridge, Etihad Stadium, Villa Park, Gtech Community Stadium and Amex Stadium.

Elsewhere, for the first time in 138 years and for the very first time in the city of Glasgow, Open Iftar will take place at the stunning Glasgow City Chambers. The building was inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1888 and will welcome over 300 people from all communities on Saturday 7 March in its majestic Banqueting Hall.   

The Welcome Ramadan Conference which took place at Soho Theatre Walthamstow welcomed over 500 attendees hosted by journalist and broadcaster Remona Ali and featured spiritual reflections from Sheikh Ahmed Babikir, cultural and faith-based insights from Ahmed Paul Keeler, and conversations on faith, identity and representation with Mariah Idrissi and Harris J. Collectively offering a meaningful and accessible introduction to Ramadan, filled with spiritual reflection, storytelling, creativity and hope ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

Welcome Ramadan Conference 2026 at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, London
Credit: Mona Naem Photography

The evening also unveiled various programmes and activations of Ramadan Festival 2026 with the return of Fast A Day now in its 3^rd year, working with businesses to host intimate iftars raising awareness about Ramadan and encouraging colleagues to fast a day fostering workplace inclusion and understanding. Also making a return is Ramadan Run Club, a safe space for runners of all backgrounds seeking physical activity and connection in Ramadan, and of course, the highly anticipated Open Iftar events across 9 UK cities, hosted at some of the country’s most celebrated and iconic venues. 

RAMADAN FESTIVAL 2026 TRAILER:
https://youtu.be/tyeuAA8QDlY?si=yrt-NWcamfoKlfHW

Open Iftar, the showcase of the annual Ramadan Festival and the UK’s largest community event series in Ramadan, brings together people of all backgrounds to open their fast and share a meal in the spirit of generosity, inclusion and cultural exchange. Since its inception, Ramadan Tent Project has welcomed and connected over one million people nationwide, transforming historic, cultural and sporting landmarks into spaces of shared reflection and belonging.

As with previous years, the final Open Iftar will return to London’s iconic Trafalgar Square on Monday 16 March welcoming thousands from all faiths and none. The Grand Finale Open Iftar will feature Little Amal, the internationally recognised 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child, deeply resonating with the Ramadan Festival 2026 theme of Hope, reminding us of our shared humanity, compassion, and belonging. 

Open Iftar 2025 at Trafalgar Square, London – Credit: Huzayfa Dawood

Ramadan Festival 2026 follows a historic year for Ramadan Tent Project. In 2025, RTP hosted its first ever Open Iftar inside Windsor Castle’s State Apartments in collaboration with Royal Collection Trust, marking the first iftar gathering in St. George’s Hall in the Castle’s 1,000-years of royal history. Continuing this legacy, the first Open Iftar of Ramadan 2026 will take place at a new royal address for the very first time at Banqueting House, a magnificent survivor of the lost royal Palace of Whitehall cared for by independent charity Historic Royal Palaces. On Friday 20 February, the royal palace will welcome hundreds of guests from all backgrounds to break their fast for the very first time in over 400 years, in yet another marvellous setting steeped in British history and heritage.

The Open Iftar programme for Ramadan Festival 2026 includes the following dates and venues: (further locations and dates to be announced)

WEEK ONE
Friday 20 February: Banqueting House, London + Bradford Live
Saturday 21 February: Silverstone Circuit + Bradford Live + MyLahore Glass Marquee, Blackburn
Sunday 22 February: Soho Theatre Walthamstow, London + King’s College, Cambridge

WEEK TWO
Friday 27 February: Brighton Dome, Brighton
Saturday 28 February: Shoreditch Town Hall, London
Sunday 1 March: Battersea Arts Centre, London

WEEK THREE
Friday 6 March: National Gallery, London
Saturday 7 March: Glasgow City Chambers, Glasgow
Sunday 8 March: Library of Birmingham, Birmingham

WEEK FOUR
Friday 13 March: AFC Wimbledon, London
Sunday 15 March: 22 Bishopsgate, London
Monday 16 March: Trafalgar Square, London 

QUOTES

Omar Salha, Founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project, said: “Welcoming the return of Ramadan Festival in 2026 fills me with a profound sense of hope, our chosen theme for this year. Hope is what carries communities through challenge, inspires generosity, and reminds us that renewal is always possible. It is central to Ramadan. It is the thread that connects our past to our future, and the light that guides us towards compassion, unity, and purpose.

Entering our 13^th year, it is a remarkable to witness the incredible growth of the festival across exciting new spaces, venues and landmarks that reflect the diversity and dynamism of our nation. Allowing us to bring more people together, create deeper cultural experiences, and celebrate the spirit of Ramadan in ways that are more accessible, more vibrant, and more inclusive than ever before. A powerful symbol of how Ramadan is part of Britain’s rich cultural ecology.

Ramadan teaches us to look inward with sincerity and outward with kindness. By anchoring the Ramadan Festival 2026 in the theme of Hope, we’re honouring that tradition by inviting people from all faiths and none, turning strangers into friends, to imagine and build a future rooted in empathy, connection, and shared humanity. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors and guests across the UK throughout the festival. We’re excited for what this year will bring and grateful to everyone who continues to make this festival a beacon of togetherness.”

Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said: “I’m delighted that Trafalgar Square will once again host the final iftar of Ramadan Tent Project’s hugely successful Open Iftar programme. People from all faiths, races and backgrounds will unite in the heart of our capital to break their fasts together and celebrate the values at the heart of this holy month. Together they’ll send a clear message that London celebrates our diversity, as we continue to build a better and fairer London for all.”

Justine Locker, Head of Banqueting House said: “We are honoured to welcome Open Iftar to Banqueting House for the very first time. As the last remaining part of the lost Palace of Whitehall, this space has witnessed centuries of national, cultural and spiritual moments. Opening the doors of the Banqueting House to communities from across London and beyond to celebrate the shared values of reflection, compassion and togetherness embodied by Ramadan continues this legacy. We are delighted to be part of this uplifting and unifying event.”

Stuart Pringle, Chief Executive Officer of Silverstone, said: “Silverstone has always been a place where history is made, and we are proud to mark a new and meaningful first by hosting our inaugural Open Iftar in partnership with Ramadan Tent Project. Opening our doors during the holy month of Ramadan is a privilege, and an opportunity for us to use this iconic space in a different way, one centred on community, connection and shared experience. We are grateful to the Ramadan Tent Project for bringing Open Iftar to Silverstone and for the chance to be part of Ramadan Festival 2026.”

The Walk Productions, Producers of Litle Amal, said: “Although she has now travelled to 18 countries around the world, we have never forgotten the extraordinary welcome Amal received from the people of London. We are thrilled that she will be returning this March to share Open Iftar with the Ramadan Tent Project, reconnect with dear friends, meet new ones, and continue to stand as a powerful voice for hope, dignity, and the rights of displaced people everywhere.” 

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, said; “As a city that is enriched by many cultures, faiths and traditions, marking religious observances is an important reflection of who we are. This first Open Iftar is recognition of how important Ramadan and Islam is to many Glaswegians.”

Lucy Davies, CEO of Brighton Dome, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming people under this year’s Ramadan Festival theme of Hope to Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange on 27 February for the Open Iftar. It is a privilege to take part in this fantastic project.”

AFC Wimbledon’s Marc Jones, Head of Brand, Communications & Marketing, said: “We’re proud to once again open The Cherry Red Records Stadium at Plough Lane for the Open Iftar as part of the Ramadan Festival. Last year’s event showed the power of bringing people together around shared values of welcome, reflection and community. As a fan-owned club rooted in our local area, it feels entirely natural for our stadium to be a place where everyone feels they belong.”

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

Islamic Relief UK Interim Director, Zia Salik said: “Ramadan is a sacred month that brings communities together every year. We are delighted to be partnering with the Ramadan Tent Project once again for a series of special iftar events around the country. Now more than ever it is so important to bridge the gaps between communities to combat rising division and inspire hope. If you’ve never been to an Open Iftar I encourage you to do so, everyone is welcome and they provide inspiring moments of togetherness. Whilst some may seek to divide us, our strength is found by working together to tackle the real issues facing families in the UK right now, like the cost-of-living crisis and food poverty, hand in hand with our neighbours from all backgrounds.”

Ismael Danahein, Founder & CEO, EverGive: “The Ramadan Tent Project shows what becomes possible when people gather around shared values – generosity, dignity, and care for one another. At EverGive, our mission is to build long-term structures that help these human instincts endure, not just in moments of crisis, but across time. Supporting this project reflects our belief that when community, culture, and long-term thinking meet, the impact reaches far beyond the table.”

Tim Rees, Managing Director of Vita Coco said: “Vita Coco is proud to mark our third year of supporting Open Iftar and the Ramadan Tent Project, offering our coconut water to ‘Fuel Your Fast’. This partnership reflects who we are as a brand and our commitment to building thriving communities, championing health and wellness, and creating positive impact beyond our products. We support initiatives that unite people, and through Open Iftar we are honoured to stand alongside the Ramadan Tent Project in welcoming people of all backgrounds around the table to strengthen social bonds and shared humanity across the UK.”

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media@ramadantentproject.com 

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About Ramadan Tent Project

Ramadan Tent Project is a multi-award- winning British charity established in 2013 with a mission to bring communities together and to further develop the understanding of Ramadan. Ramadan Tent Project organises the annual Ramadan Festival, which is a collection of artistic, cultural, creative events to inspire and engage audiences from all backgrounds, in addition to the UK’s largest community event in Ramadan, Open Iftar.

About Open Iftar

Open Iftar is Ramadan Tent Project’s flagship initiative and the UK’s largest community event in Ramadan. Open Iftar invites people from all walks of life and is open to people of all faiths and none to increase community harmony, belonging, softening hearts and minds, and turning strangers into friends. ‘Iftar’ is the meal that is prepared and offered to Muslims observing Ramadan when breaking their fast from sunrise to sunset. Since 2013, Open Iftar has connected over one-million people from across the globe including first of its kind events at some of Britain’s most loved & iconic cultural spaces, from Windsor Castle to the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, the V&A and Trafalgar Square, to events at the Baltic Museum, Bradford’s Centenary Square, Coventry Cathedral and many more.