Set up by a team of young British muslims, the Halal Food Festival is coming to Manchester this summer, armed with a programme of workshops, an outdoor funfair and, of course, lots of delicious food.
With over 100 exhibitors programmed for the festival that will take place at Bowler’s Exhibition Centre in Stretford, the vision is to create a fun event that represents British muslims and introduces wider cultures to their cuisine.
You’ll find halal food from across the globe at the event, with Asian, African and Middle Eastern flavours prominent throughout – alongside special guest chefs, live cooking demonstrations and workshops for you to try your hand at brand-new cooking techniques.
With Manchester’s diverse, multicultural communities, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the different cultures that make up the city through local, independent businesses.
The festival is also partnering with Islamic Relief UK, a charity that provides humanitarian aid, relief and developmental programmes to over 40 countries regardless of race, gender, political affiliation or belief.
The hope is that the festival will help the charity reach its goal of feeding 5,000 people across the world, as well as supporting local homeless centres.
Halal, arabic for ‘permissable’, is traditionally applied to food and is the Islamic form of slaughtering using a sharp knife which cuts the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe.
Animals must be healthy and alive at the time of the killing, and all blood must be drained from the carcass. During the process, a Muslim will also recite a dedication, know as tasmiya or shahada.
This isn’t a first for a dedicated Halal festival, as other events have taken place across London and also Leicester, but it’s the first time the fair will take place in Manchester. Tickets are on sale now, starting at £8 per person.
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The Halal Food Festival
Date: 27th – 28th August
Venue: Bowler’s Exhibition Centre
Time: 12pm – 8pm
Price: £8+
