Wanderers host their first ever Iftar Event
On Tuesday 11th April, over 150 people attended the first ever Iftar Event at the University of Bolton Stadium, hosted by Bolton Wanderers in the Community and The Bolton Unity Project.
The event was held as part of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims worldwide take part in a month of fasting, prayer and reflection.
This was the first Iftar Event of its kind to be hosted here at the stadium, providing a safe community space for anyone observing Ramadan to gather and break their fast together.
As well as members of the Muslim community, people of all faiths were encouraged to attend. This was to provide the opportunity for mutual dialogue, discussion and a first-hand insight into the month of Ramadan.
Speeches from Phil Mason (CEO of BWitC and BWFC Chaplain), Sharon Brittan (BWFC Chairman) and Cllr Akhtar Zaman (The Mayor of Bolton) allowed guests to listen and learn about the importance of community cohesion and understanding other cultures and religions. Guests were given the opportunity to learn about the meaning of Ramadan and Iftar, through an explanation given by the Imam Nasar Ishfaq, as well as a recitation of the Quran and the opportunity to observe prayers.
All guests were then invited to break their fast with dates, fruit and water, followed by prayers and observations, before finally enjoying a delicious buffet, provided by the Bolton Stadium Hotel and Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
“Seeing 150 people celebrating together overlooking the pitch at the University of Bolton Stadium was so incredibly powerful. The event brought together from people of all religions and those of no religion, and encouraged conversation, education and reflection.” – Beth Warriner, BWitC Programme Lead (Cohesion & EDI)
The Iftar Event was hosted in collaboration with The Bolton Unity Project; an alliance formed of Bolton Wanderers in the Community, Bolton Solidarity Community Association, Bolton Council of Mosques, Bolton Christian Community Cohesion, Bolton Interfaith Council and Bolton Hindu Forum, funded by the Bolton Fund.