Stadium's first community Iftar hailed a success

A community Iftar meal held at a city arena during Ramadan has been praised as a "beautiful" event that brought people together.

Haroon Mota, an athlete and activist, was among those who praised Sunday's event at Coventry Building Society Arena as a success.

"Many people would have been attending or visiting the arena for the first time ever, despite living in such close proximity," he said.

Sky Blues in the Community, one of the event's organisers, said it brought together more than 350 people from all backgrounds and was the first open Iftar - the fast-breaking evening meal during Ramadan - held at the arena.

Harvey Morgan, from Sky Blues in the Community, said: "We saw people from all walks of life come together, regardless of their faith or background, to strengthen our community and promote kindness, respect, and togetherness."

The event is one of dozens taking place throughout the Islamic holy month, where Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset.

Youth and community group Rising Stars also helped organise the event.

Its chair Ayaz Maqsood, said: "Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity, and this event gave us the opportunity to share this special moment with the wider community."

Organisers said its success had "set the stage for future events" and other collaborative initiatives.

"[It was] an absolutely incredible beautiful evening that brought people together, Muslims and non-Muslims alike," said Mr Mota.

"It was a beautiful event with delicious food, great reflections and prayers."

He believed it was "really important" for the football club "to engage with communities across Coventry".

"I'm hoping this could be the first of many more events like this in the future," he added.

Ramadan began on the evening of 28 February this year and is expected to end on 30 March.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.