Bristol Muslim Conference 2026

Saturday 14 November · 10am to 4pm · Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol

Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group

Supporting Bristol's Muslim Communities

We work to develop and strengthen the diverse Muslim communities in Bristol by building sustainable, proactive partnerships between statutory agencies and our communities.

6
Specialised areas of work
4
Statutory partners
2018
Working for Bristol since

British Muslims for the Future A 10 year vision

What will 2036 look like? Connect with us and help shape the next decade of partnerships, community and opportunities for a stronger Bristol.

Saturday 14 November
10am to 4pm
Seat Unique Stadium
Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground, Nevil Road, BS7 9EJ
Lunch included
Free parking and panoramic views of the cricket ground
  • Interactive workshops
  • Panel discussions with local and national speakers
  • Inspiring Bristolian Muslims sharing their journeys
Sal Naseem
Sal NaseemKeynote speaker. Author and leadership consultant
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Sal Naseem is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author, award-winning public servant and leadership consultant who helps organisations and individuals drive meaningful change. His career spans some of the UK's most challenging public services, including policing, local government, the electoral system and the national fire service. Drawing on his extensive experience, Sal specialises in tackling systemic inequality, developing inclusive leadership and empowering people to challenge established ways of working. Through storytelling, leadership development and executive coaching, he inspires leaders to reconnect with their values, recognise their influence and demonstrate the courage needed to create lasting, positive change.

Sabet Choudhury
Sabet ChoudhuryPresenter and journalist, ITV West Country
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Sabet Choudhury is a television presenter and journalist with ITV West Country, bringing experience in broadcasting, storytelling and regional news coverage. Through his journalism, he has helped audiences engage with issues affecting communities across the West Country, highlighting important stories and perspectives from the region. His work reflects the importance of accessible journalism, informed discussion and ensuring that different voices are heard. As a speaker at the British Muslim Conference 2026, Sabet brings a valuable media perspective to conversations about representation, community identity and the role of communication in shaping a more connected and inclusive future.

Lucy Bushill-Matthews
Lucy Bushill-MatthewsDirector, Shepa. Author and governance consultant
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Lucy Bushill-Matthews is Director of Shepa, a governance trainer, consultant and author who supports Muslim charities and faith leaders to strengthen their leadership and organisational effectiveness. She is a Research Supervisor for Funders in Good and the Yusuf Islam Foundation, exploring how funding can create greater impact for Muslim-led organisations across the UK. Lucy is also an Associate of Equi, a British Muslim think tank, and previously served as Chief Operating Officer at the National Zakat Foundation. A member of the Faculty of Faith in Leadership, she authored Welcome to Islam: A Convert's Tale and contributes regularly to BBC Radio 2's Pause for Thought.

Prof. Tariq Modood MBE
Prof. Tariq Modood MBEProfessor of Sociology, University of Bristol
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Professor Tariq Modood MBE is a leading academic at the University of Bristol, recognised for his contributions to the study of multiculturalism, religious identity, equality and the experiences of British Muslims. A Fellow of the British Academy, he has contributed to national and international discussions on inclusion, citizenship and religious diversity. His advisory roles have included working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance and the Muslim Council of Britain. Through his research, publications and public engagement, Professor Modood continues to influence thinking and policy on creating a more inclusive, equitable and multicultural society.

Akeela Ahmed
Akeela AhmedChief Executive Officer, British Muslim Trust
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Akeela Ahmed is Chief Executive Officer of the British Muslim Trust and an advocate for stronger communities, equality and the representation of British Muslims. Her work focuses on strengthening understanding, encouraging constructive dialogue and supporting greater participation by Muslim communities in British society. She brings experience in community engagement, public advocacy and addressing issues affecting Muslim communities, particularly around inclusion and representation. Through her leadership and public engagement, Akeela champions opportunities for collaboration and positive social change. At the British Muslim Conference 2026, she brings an important perspective on building partnerships, strengthening community voices and creating a more inclusive future for the next generation.

The day

Saturday 14 November 2026, 10am to 4pm, at the Seat Unique Stadium. Lunch is included.

Arrival

Registration, tea, coffee and networking

Printed copies of the Muslims in Bristol booklet will be available.

Morning

Keynote discussions

  • Welcome and conference opening
  • Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group: the conference theme and plan
  • The Lord Mayor of Bristol
  • Daring to Dream: aspirational stories from inspiring Bristolian Muslims
    • Nura Aabe (health, autism)
    • Tariq Muhammed (business, local regeneration)
    • Shaheen Choudhry (civic roles: High Sheriff, magistrate)
    • Nathan Hall (athlete, Muslim convert)
  • Keynote: Sal Naseem (40 minutes, including a short Q&A)
  • Looking ahead: what is your vision for British Muslims in the next 10 years?
Lunch

Lunch, networking and prayers

Afternoon

Your Voice workshops

What should life look like for British Muslims in 2036, and what needs to happen to get there?

1Education and skillsEdin Ahmed (banker), Abir Ahmed (education)
2Health, wellbeing and ageing communitiesDr Faatihah (medic), Mohammed el Sharif (communities)
3Belonging and identityRohail Rehman (lawyer), Mohima Hussain (business)
4Jobs and career opportunitiesFadl Isa (engineer), Jahad Alrefai (team development)
5Leadership, representation and influenceSakariye Syedomar (campaigner), Abdul Basharat (business)
Afternoon

Panel discussion

Facilitated by Sabet Choudhury of ITV West Country, with questions from the workshops.

  • Lucy Bushill-Matthews (national and convert perspective)
  • Prof. Tariq Modood (academic, local)
  • Akeela Ahmed (CEO, British Muslim Trust, national)
  • Cllr Tony Dyer (Leader of Bristol City Council, local authority)
  • Fadl Isa (BMSLG, local)
Close

Final remarks and actions from BMSLG

The conference closes with thanks to our supporters.

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See what we do

Our documentary follows the work of BMSLG across Bristol, in the words of the people who do it.

BMSLG documentary

What we do, out in the city

Two flagship programmes bring our communities and partners together each year.

The BMSLG team at the Bristol Muslim Conference 2025

Meet the team

BMSLG is made up of members from across Bristol's Muslim communities, working alongside our statutory and associate partners.

Our members volunteer their time and bring experience from education, law, healthcare, policing, faith organisations, business and community work.

Meet the team →

A volunteer-led voice for Bristol's Muslims

Our mission is to develop and strengthen the diverse Muslim communities in Bristol by working closely with our statutory and associate partners.

We are a volunteer-led organisation representing the diverse Muslim communities of Bristol, and we aim to make life better for both Muslims and other communities in the city.

Explore our areas of work →
A BMSLG member speaking at the Bristol Muslim Conference

Bristol Muslim Conference 2025

Together, beyond all division · Saturday 8th November 2025

Bristol Muslim Conference 2025 highlights

A citywide conference uniting leaders and communities to stand together against religious and racial hatred. Debate. Action. Reflection. Shaping how Bristol moves beyond division.

Workshops covering Women, Youth, Politics and Media revealed consistent concerns around safety, Islamophobia, far-right intimidation, harmful political and media narratives, and institutional failings.

Read the 2025 report →

What have we been getting up to?

Plastic Free workshops

BMSLG in collaboration with Projects Against Plastic (PAP) ran a Training Workshop to support mosques and organisations. This workshop is the first part of the support framework designed to reach out and connect with communities.

Environment area of work →

Confidential Police survey

In partnership with the University of Bristol we ran Bristol's first policing survey focused on the views of Muslims, feeding into a report with recommendations for Avon & Somerset Police.

Read our campaigns →

When a Muslim baby dies

Working with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, we created a leaflet offering advice and contacts in the sad event that a Muslim baby passes away.

Health area of work →

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Stay in the loop

See what we are doing to work in partnership with statutory partners and organisations across the City to improve the lives of Muslims in Bristol with regular updates through our Newsletters.

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Join the Community Now

Help us enact change across healthcare, policing, council services, the environment and more, facilitating projects which improve the lives of Muslims and Bristolians alike.