AN INCLUSIVE celebration staged by Oxford's Muslim community saw hundreds of people unite for a sunset feast.

About 400 people gathered at East Oxford's Asian Cultural Centre last night for the Community Grand Iftar. 

Attendees were invited to bring a dish to share between 8pm and 11pm and sat around tables outside to break the Ramadan fast.

They had a beautiful backdrop as the sun set at the venue in Manzil Way, which had been especially decorated with balloons and lights.

Oxford Mail:

Pic by organiser Shaista Aziz

The holy month of Ramadan officially began this year on the evening of Wednesday, May 16.

It occurs every year and sees adult Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset, before consuming an evening meal named Iftar.  

The Oxford Homeless Project and the Oxford University Islamic Society teamed up with Big Iftar UK, Oxford Brookes Islamic Society and the Asian Cultural Centre to put on the event.

Organisers welcomed people of all faiths and none, and there were also food stalls representing cuisines from around the world, as well as family-friendly activities. 

Among those who enjoyed the celebrations was Lord Mayor of Oxford Colin Cook.

Oxford Mail:

Pic by Shaista Aziz

The celebration has been held since 2015 to champion diversity in the city.