Home / Bristol Muslim Conference
A citywide conference uniting leaders and communities to stand together against religious and racial hatred.
Held on Saturday 14 November 2026 at the Seat Unique Stadium.
What will 2036 look like? Connect with us and help shape the next decade of partnerships, community and opportunities for a stronger Bristol.
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 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 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.
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 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.
Saturday 14 November 2026, 10am to 4pm, at the Seat Unique Stadium. Lunch is included.
Printed copies of the Muslims in Bristol booklet will be available.
What should life look like for British Muslims in 2036, and what needs to happen to get there?
Facilitated by Sabet Choudhury of ITV West Country, with questions from the workshops.
The conference closes with thanks to our supporters.
Together, beyond all division
Debate. Action. Reflection. Shaping how Bristol moves beyond division.
The Bristol Muslim Conference 2025 brought together communities across Bristol to address rising hate, division, and fear. Workshops covering Women, Youth, Politics, and Media revealed consistent concerns around safety, Islamophobia, far-right intimidation, harmful political and media narratives, and institutional failings.
Saturday 8th November 2025 · Seat Unique Stadium, Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground, Bristol BS7 9EJ
Read the 2025 report →Highlights from each year's conference. The 2023 film will be added shortly.
Every year we publish a full report of the conference, the issues raised and the actions we are asking of our partners.
2025 ReportCross-workshop summary report and recommendations.
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2023 ReportFull conference report.
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2022 ReportFull conference report.
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2021 ReportFull conference report.
Download →Four workshops ran across the day. These are the issues raised, and the actions we are asking of Bristol's statutory partners.
Rising Islamophobia, far-right intimidation, safety concerns on buses, and misinformation about asylum seekers.
Increase visible policing, rapid response to intimidation, anti-Islamophobia training, and family and mental health support.
Anxiety from hate crime, identity strain, workplace discrimination, refugee youth exclusion, and barriers to mental health access.
Trauma-informed youth services, school-based anti-Islamophobia work, refugee mentoring, and support for young professionals.
Under-representation, far-right narratives, lack of accountability, and online harms.
MP and Councillor forums, a public stance against Islamophobia, stronger hate crime reporting, and advocacy on online harms regulation.
Dehumanising coverage, fake news and clickbait, and a lack of newsroom diversity.
Community and media engagement, diversity targets, and media literacy in schools.
Moments from the 2025 conference at the Seat Unique Stadium.
Leaders from across the city and beyond joined us to speak on standing together against religious and racial hatred.
The fully booked 2023 conference opened with a prayer and a minute's silence for the victims of the Israel-Palestine war. Keynotes came from PCC Mark Shelford, Dr Wajid Akhter of the Muslim Council of Britain, and Azeem Rafiq, who spoke about the racism he faced and how he now helps others achieve their dreams. Baroness Sayeeda Warsi spoke on the part British Muslims play in society.
Delegates contributed through five Diamond 9 workshops, followed by an afternoon panel with Dr Asha Mohamed, Omer Khaliel of the Riba Foundation and Mohammed Sayaqle of the Somali Youth Forum.
Our 2022 conference focused on the cost of living crisis, Islamophobia, environmental issues and promoting healthy living. Reports from every year are available above.
Help us enact change across healthcare, policing, council services, the environment and more, facilitating projects which improve the lives of Muslims and Bristolians alike.