Ramadan Tent Project’s open iftars return to prestigious venues throughout the holy month
From Silverstone to Shakespeare’s Globe, the organisation has brought thousands of people together in renowned public spaces for more than a decade
The holy month isn’t usually associated with Formula One motor racing or football but, once again, the Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) is bringing its open iftar concept to prestigious and sometimes unlikely venues across the country. This year, they include Silverstone — home of the British Grand Prix — and AFC Wimbledon stadium.
From cathedrals to theatres, galleries and cricket grounds, the London-based charity has spent more than a decade bringing communities together to share food and fellowship. The organisation was founded in 2013 by Omar Salha and a group of friends at Soas University of London, where they pitched a tent to provide a space for Muslim students to break their fasts together.
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“The idea was to welcome people who were spending Ramadan away from family,” says Salha.
Soon after RTP’s launch, the invitation was extended far beyond the Muslim community. People from all walks of life were encouraged to join free events that turned iftar into an experience shared across religious and cultural boundaries.
“We were trying to turn strangers into friends and to break down any barriers, misconceptions, and misunderstandings,” says Salha. “We wanted to create dialogue and awareness — only through that are we able to understand more about each other.”
The project has grown to an annual nationwide programme of events. According to the charity, attendance ranges from 500 to 3,000 people, depending on the venue, and more than 500,000 meals have been distributed by its volunteer staff. A key turning point came in 2014, when the initiative went to Manchester to hold its first open iftar outside of London. Over the years, the scale of the events has grown steadily, with iftars held at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, Trafalgar Square and Shakespeare’s Globe. The organisation has even held events in Istanbul, Turkey, and Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Still, Salha stresses that RTP’s success is not defined by the volume of attendees or high-profile venues. “The events that we do are not centered around the number of guests or how quickly tickets fill up,” he says. “What’s at the heart is the people.”
RTP’s mission has also expanded over the years, with its message of connection and understanding now being brought into workplaces and fitness spaces. In 2025, the organisation introduced Fast A Day, an initiative that invites non-Muslim staff from companies across the UK to join in fasting for a day. Meanwhile, The charity’s Ramadan Run Club, established that same year, organises sessions for people still keen to exercise during the holy month.
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The theme of RTP’s 2026 initiative is Hope. Salha believes that the simple act of eating together offers a powerful response to rising social divisions and growing hostility towards minority communities.
“There’s such rewarding conversations and feelings that come out of it,” he says. “We are, by nature, social creatures. We need to feel that we have a connection to our shared humanity. When you do so, you realise you see yourself in others. These spaces offer an opportunity for people to reflect, to connect and to have a sense of hope.”
RTP’s open iftars 2026 will launch on 20 February at Banqueting House in central London and Bradford Live. Details of more events and volunteer opportunities can be found on the Ramadan Tent Project website.
