Hundreds gather to take part in Iftar celebration

A muslim community has welcomed hundreds of residents to help celebrate their food and culture.

Sayd and Aishah, from Weston-super-Mare, organised an Iftar meal on Tuesday at the Winter Gardens to show people about their religion and culture, whilst sharing more about Ramadan.

Sayd said he felt "excited and proud" about how the event turned out, after organising Iftar meals for the past 27 years.

He said: "When I started, it was a very small event and it gradually got bigger. To see this many people today - it was more than unexpected. We were expecting 500 to 600 people but it's nearly 800."

Aishah said: "This was bigger than we've ever done it."

Iftar is a meal eaten at sunset to break the fast during Ramadan which is often shared with family, friends and the community.

Sayd added: "This is inclusivity - getting along with the local community and sharing our own faith with other local people."

The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, councillor Martin Williams, also attended the meal - calling it a "very friendly and wonderful occasion".

Mr Williams said: "It's important to educate people about the different cultures in the town and bring everyone together.

"What these two do for the town is absolutely spectacular, they're a force to be reckoned with."

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