Ramadan Tent Project’s Open Iftar at Gateshead Baltic Centre

The charity heads to the north-east of England for one of the most diverse events in its 10-year history. Photography for Hyphen by Barry Pells

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5 April 2023

Guests enjoyed a selection of fresh fruit, provided by local small business Graze Away. Photography for Hyphen by Barry Pells

The Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) held its 13th Open Iftar of the year at the Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art in Gateshead on 4 April. The events were free to attend and invited people from all religious backgrounds to eat an evening meal alongside Muslims who are breaking their fast.

The Open Iftar, which was run by a team of 18 volunteers, was attended by close to 200 people. They included guest speakers such as the Newcastle-based poet and artist Wajid Hussain, Newcastle city councillor Irim Ali and the Right Rev Helen-Ann Macleod Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle.

Waseem Mahmood, events and project manager for RTP, said it was the “most diverse audience” he had seen at an Open Iftar event outside London. “Aside from the local masjid community, there were also refugees and asylum seekers who said they felt very welcomed. At least 20% of the attendees were non-Muslim, which was really nice to see,” he said.

Guests enjoyed a feast of biryani and samosas, with both meat and vegetarian options available, provided by the local catering company Biryani Vujon. For dessert, tables were lined with decorative fruit platters made by Graze Away, another local business.