Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) gears up for an unprecedented start to Ramadan 2026 with its multi-award winning Open Iftar, marking its 13th year of bringing people of all faiths and none together through culture, community and connection. Under Ramadan Festival’s theme of Hope for 2026, the Open Iftar series will host events across 8 UK cities at some of the most iconic landmarks and venues.
This week 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.
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 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 a marvellous setting steeped in British History and heritage. This follows last year’s historic 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.
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.”
Alongside Silverstone and Banqueting House, Open Iftar events will also be hosted at several celebrated venues across the country, including King’s College Cambridge, Soho Theatre Walthamstow, Bradford Live and The Glass Marquee by MyLahore.
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 13th year, it is 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.”
This Sunday in London, Soho Theatre Walthamstow will open its doors to the community to open fast. Returning to the newly renovated venue after the Welcome Ramadan Conference in late January 2026, this theatre with an incredible heritage will host Open Iftar for the first time in the famously multicultural borough of Waltham Forest. Similarly in Cambridge, Open Iftar will return to King’s College. This historic college with over 500 years of history, continues to welcome people of all faiths and none to gather in the spirit of Ramadan.
