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.
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 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 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.”
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.
The evening also unveiled various programmes and activations of Ramadan Festival 2026 with the return of Fast A Day now in its 3rd 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:
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.
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.”
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.
