Some 300 people of different faiths came together for the first ever community Iftar to held in Barnoldswick in our Ripon Episcopal Area.
The Iftar was organised by Noor Uddin of Barnoldswick takeaway, Usmaniyah in Albert Road, and was supported by Barnoldswick Town Council and Building Bridges Pendle - an organisation which aims to improve community relations by raising awareness and understanding about different cultures.
Meals were served up to people of all faiths in a giant marquee in the Town Square in what was described as a 'tremendous' and 'fantastic' community event.
Revd Sheena McMain, vicar of the United Benefice of Barnoldswick with Bracewell, introduced the speakers, including the Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Yasser Iqbal.
Barnoldswick resident Nadeem Shazada made the call to prayer and local Iman, Hafiz Zafeer led prayers and spoke about the significance of Ramadan and fasting for Muslims.
Revd Sheena said: "I was honoured to be asked as a local faith leader to introduce the speakers, including the Mayor of Pendle and the local imam who explained the purpose of fasting in the Islamic faith and the importance of hospitality.
"Over 300 meals were served in the Town Square. It was a fantastic event and well attended by a mix of people from around the community of a variety of faiths and none. It sparked some interesting conversation."
Pendle’s Mayor, Cllr Yasser Iqbal said he was sure the community event would be back again in the years to come.
He said: “The Iftar event was a tremendous show of real community spirit. Considering the fact that this was the first Iftar gathering organised in Barnoldswick, the turn out was great and I am sure it will be bigger and better in the years to come.
"I want to pay a special tribute to the organisers for taking the initiative and delivering what was a first-class event which everyone very clearly enjoyed.”
The food provided by Usmaniyah included fruit with dates traditionally used to break the fast at Iftar and a main meal.
Barnoldswick Councillor David Whipp said: "It was a fantastic community event. There has been lots of very positive feedback.
"The staff at Usmaniyah did a brilliant job in feeding hundreds of people, and it was very generous of Noor Uddin providing so much food."
Images courtesy of Zoe Louise Photography