For the first time in known history a community Iftar (breaking of the fast) will be held in Southall this Friday evening.

The Khadeejah Welfare Foundation has joined with The Unity of Faiths Foundation to present The Big Iftar, bringing people of all faiths and cultures together to celebrate the festivities of Ramadan .

The unique event will take place at Villiers High School, Boyd Avenue, Southall, at 7pm.

Virendra Sharma MP, the Mayor of Ealing Councillor Tej Ram Bagha, Dr Onkar Sahota London Assembly member and over 300 people from all walks of life who have bought tickets, will be joining in the fast breaking festivities.

Founding Chair of the Khadeejah Foundation, Harris Iqbal said: "Once more, Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, coincides with the height of our UK summer. Muslims up and down the country are reminded of the importance of mercy, forgiveness, compassion and charity and make it a time of hospitality and a chance to renew friendship and kinships.

"For the very first time in Southall we wanted to bring people from all backgrounds together to celebrate and share the festivities of Ramadan 2014 through the simple, but crucial act of encouraging people, regardless of their background, to break bread together!

"The foundations have reached out to community groups across London through festivals and are now working together on educational projects to overcome barriers of misunderstanding and have united the community together to present this first Southall Community Iftar.

"Men and women of all faiths, Mosques and Temples have come together contributing homemade food. Volunteers will take to the kitchen on site to prepare a variety of delightful snacks and everyone will traditionally experience the opening of the fast with dates and milk followed by the call for evening prayer and food."

Khadeejah Welfare Foundation is a UK registered charity that primarily calls for the end of domestic abuse. The foundation also has a commitment to the wider objectives of social cohesion and integration.

The Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF) is a global non-profit secular charity supported by HM the Queen and President Obama, that provides a positive platform promoting mutual respect within communities.

Children will have their faces painted and make loom bands whilst adults look to soak in the understanding of an Iftar – for many for the very first time.