The much-anticipated Ramadan Streets festival is set to make a spectacular return to Birmingham this March, bringing a vibrant night market experience to the heart of the city. Following its hugely successful inaugural run in 2025, the event promises to once again transform Coventry Road into a cultural and culinary hub for all to enjoy.
A Celebration of Community and Culture
Running from Wednesday 4th March to Sunday 8th March 2026, the festival will operate daily from dusk until 11.30pm in an open-air setting. This year's event will be hosted on the grounds of Birmingham City Football Club, specifically utilising the car park area to create a unique souk-like environment. The festival aims to provide a safe, regulated alternative to previous pop-up Ramadan markets that have operated in the area.
Building on Last Year's Success
Building upon the remarkable success of its first year, which attracted nearly 30,000 attendees, Ramadan Streets 2026 enjoys enhanced support from the Birmingham City Football Club Foundation. The event has been carefully curated by artist Mohammed Ali and his creative team at Soul City Arts, with additional support from The Halal Food Festival, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience for all visitors.
What to Expect at the Festival
Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of offerings that cater to both physical and spiritual nourishment:
- An array of food trucks serving everything from smash burgers to matcha beverages
- Artisan vendors offering unique products and culinary delights
- A covered reflective art zone providing space for creative expression and retreat
- A welcoming environment for communities to gather and break their fast together
Official Support and Funding
The festival receives significant backing through the UK Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is distributed locally by Birmingham City Council. This funding supports the Communities and Place pillar, focusing on strengthening local communities, enhancing public spaces, and promoting inclusive economic growth across the city.
Cllr. Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Birmingham City Council, expressed her delight at the festival's return: "Last year's Ramadan Streets proved to be a wonderful celebration of faith, culture, and community, and I'm delighted that the event will return once again this March. Working with Birmingham City Football Club creates an exciting opportunity for even more residents to come together in a safe and welcoming space."
Practical Information and Contingency Plans
The festival will be located outside on the premises of Birmingham City Football Club, though organisers have prepared contingency arrangements should match scheduling at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park require alternative arrangements. A backup site has been identified to ensure the celebrations can continue uninterrupted regardless of football fixtures.
Mohammed Ali, Founder and Artistic Director of Soul City Arts, emphasised the festival's significance: "With Ramadan Streets, we've brought a safe outdoor space that is open to all and rooted in community. In the times we live in, we need more spaces for us to celebrate ourselves and each other, and this space offers that coming together."
