HUNDREDS of people came together in City Park on Good Friday to break their fast and mark the third annual Fasting Friday event.

Over 800 people from all faiths and backgrounds across Bradford came to open their fast in City Park, where food was provided by the city’s finest MyLahore.

This year’s event was set up by Bradford Foundation Trust and supported by community group Bradford 4 Better and The Bradford 2025 City of Culture team.

People partaking in Fasting Friday were encouraged to donate their lunch and coffee money to the Bradford Foundation Trust, which supports vulnerable people across the district. This year well over £7,500 has been raised.

Shadim Hussain, Board Member of Bradford Foundation Trust said: “It was massive, and we had a bigger turn out than expected.”

Alongside Fasting Friday and breaking the fast in City Park, there was an Islamic Art Exhibition held at Bradford Foundation which 200 people registered for.

“We provided 150 meals for BRI and other hospitals in the district, and we also gave some out at the fire station.

“It was really kind for so many local businesses to support us, especially MyLahore who provided all the food, Kanapeena who supplied the drinks, and Square Foot Apartments who provided the fruit.

“Fasting Friday was supported by 15 local businesses and it just shows how important this event was.”

Bishop Toby who participated in the event said: “It was lovely to visit the Bradford Foundation Trust building, it is such a great space that brings people together through art and charity work. 

“As Ramadan and Good Friday coincided, it was great to see so many people from across Bradford district coming together to fast on Fasting Friday.”

Many key people from across the district took on the challenge of Fasting Friday to understand and experience what Muslims go through.

Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor University of Bradford, said: “Fasting Friday is an absolutely amazing initiative. I think it’s great that it is being celebrated during Ramadan and Good Friday as it’s important that in Bradford we can understand each other’s cultures, religions, and beliefs.

“I have full respect for all our Muslim friends who go through this period of fasting every year.”

Mel Pickup CEO Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Trust said: “Fasting Friday and Good Friday are important days for people of many faiths and I am glad to have been able to support them.”