The Iftar is a meal shared by Muslims at sunset to break the fast during Ramadan. As the Cathedral offered the space, the Muslim community provided a delicious meal for all to enjoy. The aim of the public Iftar was to strengthen the bonds of friendship and community.

The event, which was organised by New Muslim Circle Peterborough, was due to take place on the green outside the Cathedral but was moved inside to the south transept due to wet weather.

The Dean of Peterborough, the Very Revd Chris Dalliston, welcomed the gathering at the start of the evening. He said afterwards:

“It is a great privilege to have an occasion to both offer and receive hospitality between faith communities. Our Muslim friends are generous in their invitation to share this special meal and we in turn are glad to offer space. We know we have different beliefs but this was an occasion to extend the hand of friendship. Good friends can be real with one another and acknowledge their differences, yet still remain in harmony.”

Interfaith ambassador, Batool Al Toma, was a guest speaker and talked about fostering a spirit of openness and generosity, the blasphemy of terrorism and the importance of building bridges. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mr Benjamyn Damazer, was a guest of honour and the event was also attended by the Mayor, Councillor Chris Ash, and Mayoress Doreen Roberts, and the Chief Executive of the City Council, Gillian Beasley.