Thousands of people of all faiths (and those with none) are coming together tonight in Bristol big iftar to celebrate the holy month of fasting.

For the first time this year, there will be two Grand iftar events, the St Marks Road Grand iftar on April 6 and the College Green iftar on April 14.

The event aims to attract people from all backgrounds, giving people the opportunity to learn and understand the significance of Ramadan, and its emphasis on unity.

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“It is an opportunity to bring the city together… to celebrate the special month of Ramadan, and the fantastic sense of togetherness the city has in supporting refugees,” Mohammed El Sharif, co-founder of the Grand iftar, told BBC.

The Grand iftar started in Bristol in 2017 as a way of promoting peace and unity and other themes have included sustainability and women in Islam.

“It is exciting to see Muslims for Bristol extend the Grand iftar to the city center and to be able to celebrate the month of Ramadan on College Green with people from across Bristol,” City mayor, Marvin Rees, said.

“This is an opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of the Muslim communities, come together, share food, and learn more about each other, and the significance of Ramadan and the iftar meal for Muslims,” added Rees.

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In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint, and good deeds.

After breaking their fast, eating fruit and dates, attendants had a meat stew popular in the Indian subcontinent, known as Haleem.