Ramadan events across the North West

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts later this week with events happening across north-west England.

Here's a guide to the month when Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to sunset.

Ramadan is considered sacred in Islamic belief as it commemorates the divine revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad in 7th Century Arabia.

During this period, many adult Muslims fast by abstaining from food, drink - including water - smoking and sexual relations between dawn and sunset.

Taking place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims hope the annual detox will strengthen their connection to God.

Ramadan also spurs extra charity and devotion, with mosques holding special prayers every night.

In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin at sunset either on Tuesday 17 or Wednesday 18 February - depending on the sighting of the new moon.

As the Islamic calendar is lunar, the year is about 355 days. So the months shift back by about 10 days every year.

The end of Ramadan, which lasts for 29 and 30 days, is marked by the festival of Eid al-Fitr - the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.

There are about 3.9m Muslims in England and Wales - 6.5% of the population - according to the 2021 census.

About 560,000 Muslims live across north-west England, where they make up about 12% of Greater Manchester's population and 8% in Lancashire.

They form 2% in Liverpool City Region, 1% in Cheshire and 0.4% in Cumbria.

Fasts start at the beginning of dawn - about 05:00 GMT - and end at sunset, about 17:30.

Not everybody fasts during Ramadan - only those who are considered fit and healthy enough. There are exemptions for those who are sick or travelling, and for women who are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding. They can make up missed fasts at a later date if possible.

Children who have not reached puberty also don't have to fast.

Muslims often gather to break the fast at sunset, with many mosques and organisations inviting those from other faiths or none to join in.

The Ramadan Tent Project, which has hosted open iftars including at Windsor Castle, will hold an event at The Glass Marquee by MyLahore in Blackburn on 21 February.

Muslim Arts and Culture Festival (Macfest) is also holding creative workshops across Greater Manchester throughout the month.

Many universities and colleges will have events, while various parks will host congregational Eid prayers and family-friendly festivals in mid-March.

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