Community Iftar Hosts Hundreds at Villa Park

Around 400 people attended a community Iftar meal at Aston Villa’s football stadium, Villa Park, on Friday evening, BBC reported. The event, organized by the charity Ramadan Tent Project, allowed local community members to break their fast together during Ramadan, which began on February 28 and is expected to end on March 30.

Sam Ghataora, EDI lead at Aston Villa, emphasized the club’s aim to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan by creating a space for all cultures through shared meals. The Ramadan Tent Project, now in its 12th year, hosts free Open Iftar events at various venues across the UK, culminating in a meal at Trafalgar Square on March 29. These events are open to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds.

To mark the end of the day’s fast, the Muslim call to prayer, the adhan, was recited at the stadium. Omar Salha, the project’s founder and CEO, highlighted this year’s theme of “Connection,” aiming to foster deeper connections within the community. He noted that Ramadan is a time for introspection, reflection, and connecting with family and friends through acts of service and charity.