Windsor Castle has hosted its first open iftar in its 1,000-year history.

More than 360 guests of all backgrounds gathered in St George’s Hall, known for hosting state banquets, to mark the start of Ramadan 2025. The event was organised by the Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) in collaboration with the Royal Collection Trust.

This is the first event of its kind to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan inside the State Apartments at the world’s largest and oldest occupied castle.

Omar Salha, founder and CEO of the Ramadan Tent Project, said: “Breaking our fast and marking the holy month of Ramadan at Windsor Castle, one of the most famous and iconic royal landmarks in the world, is an incredibly surreal and poignant moment to share with people of all faiths and none.

It serves as a powerful reminder of how proud we are to represent a pillar of Britain’s rich cultural ecology celebrating community, belonging and inclusion.”

The open iftar is part of the annual Ramadan Festival, which features a collection of artistic, cultural, and creative events to inspire and engage diverse audiences. The festival is organised by the Ramadan Tent Project and includes the UK’s largest community event series in Ramadan, Open Iftar.

Open Iftar has brought together over one million people across the UK and sees some of Britain’s most well-known venues open their doors to visitors from all faiths and none, to foster community, inclusivity and cultural exchange during Ramadan.

Simon Maples, visitor operations director (London and Windsor) at the Royal Collection Trust, said: “After the success of hosting our first Open Iftar event last year in the Castle’s Learning Centre, we were delighted to be able to jobs” work with Ramadan Tent Project again this year.

Even more excitingly, this year we are hosting the event in St George’s Hall, the largest of the Castle’s magnificent State Apartments, where State Banquets usually take place – meaning that we can welcome more than 350 guests to share an Iftar meal together in this historic setting.”

The Ramadan Festival will also feature the Ramadan Run Club, fostering a safe space for runners seeking physical activity during the holy month.

Bilal Hussain of Ramadan Run Club said: “It’s a common misconception that you need to stop physical exercise during Ramadan, or that dehydration while fasting prevents you from being active.

However, we’re proving with our Ramadan Run Club that it is possible to keep moving during the month.”

The festival will also see the return of the Fast A Day initiative, encouraging businesses, corporates, executives, staff, and the wider business network to host a small iftar gathering on their premises, raising awareness about Ramadan and join in fasting a day during the holy month.