Holocaust Memorial Day event - January 28

Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and Nazi persecutions, as well as other genocides around the world.

Taking place in the Banqueting Suite at the Council House, the theme for this year’s event is ‘The power of words’, which asks people to think about how words can make a difference – both for good and evil – and how they have been used in the past and are used in the present.

The ceremony will be hosted by Cllr Tristan Chatfield, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities. All are welcome and admission is free.

Doors open at 1pm, and visitors will be invited to light a candle of remembrance from 1.30pm with the commemorative ceremony then starting at 2pm.

The programme will feature testimony from Auschwitz survivor Mindu Hornick along with prayers and music – including performances from the Singers Hill Youth Orchestra, Bordesley Green Girls School, Anne Frank Trust ambassadors, Saltmine Theatre Co. and The Rainbow Choir and Young Poet Laureate Nyandavoh Foday.

Lord Mayor Cllr Anne Underwood said: “Holocaust Memorial Day provides an opportunity for us all to pause, reflect and learn lessons from the past and apply them to the present day to create a safer, better future.

“I feel privileged to be given the chance to light a candle for the victims of atrocities and genocides around the world, as well as those who are still sadly losing their lives today through war, conflict and hate crime. I hope as many people as possible will join me in this act of remembrance on January 28.”

For more information about Holocaust Memorial Day, please visit: http://hmd.org.uk/