The 5th Annual North East Dialogue Iftar and Diversity Dinner, organised by the Dialogue Society in partnership with Newcastle Cathedral and North East Diversity, Education and Solidarity (NEDES), brought together over 220 guests from across the region under the theme “Building Community Trust.”
Held at Newcastle Cathedral, the event welcomed a diverse audience including faith and community leaders, civic representatives, Northumbria Police, third-sector organisations, businesses, and members of both faith and non-faith communities—with attendees travelling from Middlesbrough to Northumberland, and across South Tyneside, Gateshead, and Newcastle.
Through inspiring speeches, interactive activities, artistic performances, and the shared experience of breaking fast together, the evening fostered meaningful dialogue, new connections, and a strong sense of unity. The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighted the event’s success in strengthening relationships, with over 90% of attendees reporting they connected with someone new, and many expressing their desire to return with additional guests.
Full Event Report
The 5th Annual North East Ramadan Iftar and Diversity Dinner was a remarkable celebration of unity, dialogue, and shared values, successfully bringing together over 220 participants from a wide cross-section of society.
Hosted at Newcastle Cathedral, the evening embodied this year’s theme, “Building Community Trust,” creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals from different faiths, cultures, professions, and backgrounds could come together in mutual respect and understanding.
Distinguished Guests and Partners
The event was honoured by the presence of a range of distinguished speakers and guests, including:
- HM Lord-Lieutenant Ms Lucy Winskell OBE (Keynote Speaker)
- Very Revd Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle Cathedral
- Lord Mayor Councillor Henry Gallagher
- Revd Canon Zoe Heming, Newcastle Cathedral
- Tugay Yalcin, Regional Director, Dialogue Society
- Talha Ozleblebici, Chairman of NEDES
The programme was delivered in partnership with:
- Newcastle Cathedral
- North East Diversity, Education and Solidarity (NEDES)
Their contributions, alongside the dedication of volunteers, played a vital role in making the evening a success.
A Rich and Engaging Programme
The evening featured a dynamic and thoughtfully curated programme, including:
- A theme video on Building Community Trust
- The Dialogue Society 2025 Impact Video, showcasing a year of community work
- Inspiring speeches from civic, faith, and community leaders
- A captivating Sand Art performance by Infinite Art
- A spiritually enriching Dervish Dance performance
- Interactive elements such as table discussions, Kahoot quiz, and reflection sessions
- Creative workshops including calligraphy, macramé, and South Asian henna art
Guests also enjoyed a multicultural buffet, thoughtfully prepared to cater to diverse dietary needs, reflecting the inclusivity and richness of the community.
Atmosphere and Community Experience
The evening was marked by a warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere, where conversations flowed naturally and barriers were gently broken down.
One of the most powerful outcomes of the event was the level of connection achieved:
- Over 90% of attendees reported meeting someone new
- Many participants shared that they had formed meaningful new relationships and friendships
- A significant number expressed strong interest in attending future events and bringing additional guests
This reflects the event’s success not only as a gathering, but as a platform for genuine relationship-building and dialogue.
Impact on the North East Community
The event delivered a strong and measurable impact across the region:
- Strengthened community cohesion by bringing together diverse groups in a shared space
- Built new bridges between faith and non-faith communities, as well as across sectors
- Encouraged dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding
- Created opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and networking
- Reinforced a sense of belonging and shared identity within the North East
The theme “Building Community Trust” was not only discussed but actively experienced, as participants engaged openly and respectfully with one another.
Conclusion
The 5th Annual Iftar and Diversity Dinner stands as a powerful example of how community-led initiatives can create lasting impact, meaningful dialogue, and genuine human connection.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback, new relationships formed, and a clear desire for continued engagement, the event has further strengthened its role as a key platform for unity and trust-building across the North East.
