Blue Coat hosts third annual Iftar celebrating unity, faith and community

Blue Coat Church of England School recently welcomed students, staff, community partners and guests for its third annual Iftar event, bringing people together to celebrate Ramadan and the values of unity, respect and community cohesion.

Held in the school theatre, the evening created a space for people from different faiths and backgrounds to come together, learn from one another and share in a moment that is deeply meaningful for Muslim members of the school and wider community.

Sixth Form students Hadya and Ibraheem led the evening, guiding guests through a programme that reflected both the significance of Ramadan and the importance of interfaith understanding in Coventry’s diverse community.

Guests heard first from Dr Abdullah Shehu MBE DL, Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, who spoke about the importance of community cohesion and the role that schools can play in bringing people together across cultures and faiths.

Attendees were then moved by a powerful reflection from Etaf, who shared her personal experience of observing Ramadan in Coventry and how it compares with her life in Gaza. Her story highlighted how faith is shaped not only by tradition but also by the communities in which people live and grow.

Serazul Alam also spoke about the significance of Ramadan before leading the call to prayer, marking the moment for guests to break the fast together.

The evening concluded with a shared meal, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where students, staff and community members could connect, reflect and celebrate together.

Events such as the Blue Coat Iftar play an important role in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within the school community. They provide opportunities for learning, dialogue and shared understanding while celebrating the richness of Coventry’s diverse cultures and faiths.

Blue Coat would like to thank everyone who attended, including community partners, staff, students and friends, for making the evening such a meaningful and memorable occasion.

Blue Coat Community Iftar 2026