In an ideal world, there might not be a need for such a thing as the Islam Awareness Week (IAW), which begins today.
But in a world in which "Muslims are often portrayed as unreasonable, fanatical, intolerant, violators of human rights and anti-women", to quote the IAW website, such a festival is an important way of fighting ignorance and intolerance.
The IAW, now in its tenth year, is not just a community relations drive, however. It is also a celebration of the cultural contribution that Muslims make to British society.
Events will be taking place in 12 different locations, including Manchester and Birmingham, throughout the country. In London, the exterior walls of the Globe theatre - which is hosting a series of Shakespeare and Islam lectures, workshops and performances - will be illuminated with images of Islamist life and culture.
George Wright
