To mark our sixth Open Iftar, organised in partnership with Ramadan Tent Project, we warmly invite you to this community event, which is open to everyone. We welcome with open arms Muslim communities observing Ramadan, alongside people of all faiths and none, their friends and family, our neighbours, and collaborators.

Open Iftar 2025 celebrates ‘connection’, offering an inclusive space which unites people across cultures, environments, and backgrounds, fostering community, empathy, understanding and a shared sense of community.

Building on our six-year partnership, Open Iftar 2025 will be our biggest, with a programme of tours, creative workshops and talks that explore and engage with the Islamic tradition of breaking fast during Ramadan and offer opportunities to explore Baltic’s exhibitions.

Together we will share wholesome food and enjoy activities, designed to bring communities together and build connection. Details of the full programme coming soon.

The event is free, but booking is essential. Tickets for this event will go on sale soon.

More Information

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by fasting from dawn till sunset, prayer, reflection, and charity, ending with a celebration called 'Eid al-Fitr'.

What is Iftar?

Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. It's a significant part of the Ramadan observance, often shared with family and community.

What is Open Iftar?

Open Iftar is one of four activations taking place as part of Ramadan Festival 2024, Open Iftar events are the flagship initiative of Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning charity that brings communities together and spreads the spirit of Ramadan through various initiatives.

Hafzah

Hafzah is the Writer In Residence for Open Iftar at the Baltic. From writing various pieces on Ramadan to social media content, Hafzah finds creative new ways to add to the project.

"To me, Open Iftar is a beautiful invitation into the "homes" of Muslims from all over to share the beauty of this holy month with food, art, culture, and purpose. We are united in humanity, and this is a reminder that although we are unique in our own ways, we stand as one. Through the project, we see our differences left at the door and spend time in each other's company. The happiness that radiates from each and every face reminds us that there is a purpose to this. And those two people sat together chatting away. They were strangers only moments ago.

We have shared many beautiful events, entrenched in deep-rooted issues and heartfelt anecdotes, and I am so excited to continue this project for many years to come, insha'Allah (God willing)."

Raza Rahman

Raza Rahman is a trained Imam from Newcastle upon Tyne, specialised in Muslim consulting across various industries and communities. He currently works within the chaplaincy sector and is passionate about intercultural relations and sustainable solutions for all communities.

“Working on Open Iftar with the Baltic team has been incredibly meaningful. It’s more than just organising an event; it’s about fostering community and inclusivity.

Iftar, a spiritual and communal meal in Islam, is a reminder that despite our differences, we can celebrate our shared humanity.

Open Iftar symbolises the power of sharing and understanding, creating spaces where barriers dissolve and connections are formed. It deepened my appreciation for Ramadan’s values of generosity and compassion, showing how feeding the body can nourish the soul and build bridges between communities.

Seeing the smiles, hearing the stories, and witnessing the sense of belonging that Open Iftar brings is humbling. Working on Open Iftar taught me the importance of creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued. Small acts of kindness and inclusion can have a profound impact. I feel honored to have been part of something that embodies unity and shared humanity.”