..but I worry that too many people will turn up, and I'd rather be prepared for any eventuality, and have the room/area/space to deal with it. Which is why a large outside area seemed better.

It may be better to start at 5pm, and finish by 5.15 to make sure everyone can get home who needs to prepare for Iftar. Of course everyone will be there earlier than the 5pm start probably, as parking, walking to and from cars etc, as you say, will take time. But we'll see what feedback we get from the ministry anyway, and take it from there.

Thanks for the input.
Angelwings.

If the grass is greener on the other side, its sure the water bill is higher !