More than 80 people attended an Iftar meal at Mansfield Museum in an event designed to foster community connections during Ramadan.

Iftar is the sunset meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan and the event enabled cultural exchange and meaningful conversations over a shared suppertime.

The attendees included both Muslim and non-Muslim residents of Mansfield, and included refugees who have settled in the town. The museum worked with faith groups, refugee and migrant support organisations, and interfaith networks to reach out to the community and a local business, Mangrove Restaurant, which provided the traditional Iftar meal.

The event was funded by Mansfield’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) under its objective to foster community cohesion and enhance pride in place.

Sema Darbaz, administrator for Green Power Project at Mansfield Museum, and co-ordinator of the event, said: “While neither I or the council in any way represent all Muslims in Mansfield, I know that refugee and migrant communities can feel disconnected, particularly at this important time in the Islam calendar.

“At Mansfield Museum, we strive to create spaces that bring people together and reflect the diversity of our community. Ramadan is a deeply significant month for Muslims. Hosting this Iftar meal was an opportunity to foster cultural exchange, strengthen community connections, and ensure that everyone feels welcome and represented in our shared space.”

Coun Stuart Richardson, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: “Events such as this at the museum are an important element in the council’s ambition to ensure Mansfield is welcoming place for everyone. We are grateful to all our partners who worked with us to make this event such a successful, inclusive and joyful occasion.”

The Iftar event also served as an appetiser for the museum’s Mansfield Community Cookbook project, which is inviting local people to share recipes and stories, with the potential for a collection to be published during Refugee Week, from 16th to 22nd June.