Muslims from across Birmingham have come together to mark the beginning of Ramadan at a celebration event in the city’s Sparkbrook ward.

Welcoming the holy month, which is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday 10 March, community members joined the festive gathering for Qur’anic recitation, speeches, poetry, charity activities, socialising and an array of South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

According to Saudi Arabian authorities, the first day of fasting for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar will be Monday 11 or Tuesday 12 March, depending on the sighting of the new moon, although the start date sometimes varies from country to country.

During the month, Muslims across the world will be fasting during daylight hours, focusing on spiritual introspection, prayer and abstinence.

Organised by humanitarian charity ISRA-UK, the Ramadan launch was held at the Women's Enterprise and Community Hub in Ladypool Road and was attended by prominent British-Yemeni poet Amerah Saleh and young Qur’an reciter Adnane Majid, who both performed during the event.

Guests from different faiths including local Muslim and Christian groups wrote messages of peace to be delivered to orphans and families in Palestine, Pakistan, Uganda, Yemen and Sudan; before enjoying cross-continental culinary delights including quiches and pies, potato fritters and chicken wings, baklava, north African Basbousa, Daal, Biryani and a selection of curries.

For more information, visit: israuk.org