Watch: Thousands gather at Trafalgar Square in London to break fast at Open Iftar as Sadiq Khan joins

Thousands of people from diverse backgrounds gathered at Trafalgar Square in London to break their fast together during the final week of Ramadan, in what organisers described as one of the largest Open Iftar events in the Western world.The event, part of the Ramadan Tent Project’s annual Ramadan Festival, saw around 3,000 attendees come together in the heart of the city for a communal meal marking the nearing end of the holy month.

Mayor Sadiq Khan joins

London Mayor Sadiq Khan attended the gathering and joined participants in breaking the fast. “Ramadan is a time to raise awareness of Islam’s true values — love, peace and kindness,” Khan posted on X, adding that thousands of Londoners from different communities had come together for a “truly special” Open Iftar.

Addressing the crowd, Sadiq Khan said the event reflected London’s diversity, with people of all faiths and backgrounds uniting in celebration and reflection, and proudly declared that the city will host the “biggest Iftar in the Western world.”

Event draws thousands in final week of Ramadan

Organised by the Ramadan Tent Project, the Open Iftar programme has grown into a major annual initiative aimed at bringing communities together.This year’s closing event at Trafalgar Square marked the culmination of a series of gatherings held across the UK during Ramadan.

Organisers said similar events had taken place at locations including AFC Wimbledon and Horizon 22 in London.

Cultural programme and speeches

The evening featured speeches from community leaders and public figures, including the Lord Mayor of Westminster and representatives from Islamic charities.Attendees also witnessed a Qur’an recitation by Qari Yahya Ali, followed by a nasheed performance by Safe Adam after the Iftar meal.The gathering focused on themes of unity, inclusion and shared community experience, with organisers saying the initiative welcomes people regardless of faith or background.Open Iftar, launched in 2013, has since expanded across the UK, with organisers claiming it has attracted large numbers of participants annually and aims to provide a space for reflection, connection and dialogue during Ramadan.