A YOUTH centre is celebrating Ramadan evenings virtually with speeches and Quran readings and delicious food.

This Ramadan, Blackburn Youth Zone has invited the community to come together on May 6 to celebrate The Big Iftar ‘Virtually’.

Iftar is the meal served at the end of a day of fasting during the month of Ramadan.

With support of local partners 500 families from across the borough will come together from a multitude of faith groups to celebrate Ramadan.

There will be recitals, speeches, readings from the Quran and much more, all leading to the traditional sharing of the Iftar meal.

The Big Iftar is a great celebration for people of all faiths, and none, to show their support to our Muslim neighbours.

As well as an opportunity to gain an insight into Islam and religious practices which may not have been as accessible before.

Rose Walton Head of Business at Blackburn Youth Zone said: “The holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for our community to pause, reflect and re-connect. We’re delighted to be welcoming 500 families from across the town, who plan to join our online celebrations.

"The pandemic may have resulted in events being called off but Ramadan is not cancelled.

"Blackburn Youth Zone are extremely passionate and will continue to promote community cohesion and relations between different communities."

Mel Thomas, from Blackburn Youth Zone said: "Blackburn Youth Zone are now appealing to the community to support and donate towards the campaign.

"This will enable us to purchase enough ingredients for families to make a Biryani to enjoy during the fast. Funds raised from the campaign will also go towards giving FREE Blackburn Youth Zone membership to young people aged 5 - 19, so they have the opportunity to engage in fun and safe activities."

To donate to the food parcels for the community go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-great-big-iftar?qid=27ec017c1cd631a547f735abb0ecc8be