Unite for a better future on Holocaust Memorial Day warrington.gov ...

The commemorations take place each year on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. It is a day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

This Holocaust Memorial Day – with a theme of ‘For a Better Future’ - marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

To mark the anniversary, communities and organisations from across the UK are taking part in a special nationwide arts and education project – 80 Candles for 80 Years – with 80 bespoke candleholders designed and created by communities and organisations from across the UK.

Showcased in a digital exhibition, each candleholder has been created to highlight the life of an individual or a community persecuted by the Nazis. This could be someone Jewish or someone from one of the other groups persecuted by the Nazis, such as the Roma, disabled people, or gay people.

You can take part in Holocaust Memorial Day by joining people from across the UK in the Light the Darkness national moment. Each year on 27 January at 8pm, people across the nation light candles and put them safely in their windows to:

• remember those who were murdered for who they were
• stand against prejudice and hatred today

Cllr Johnson said: “This Holocaust Memorial Day, we remember the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The theme 'For a Better Future' reminds us of the crucial importance of learning from the past to build a kinder, more inclusive world for all.

“Let us never forget the horrors of the past and strive to ensure such atrocities can never happen again by uniting, celebrating our diverse communities and making a pledge to stand together against hatred, on this day, and every day.

“Please join in the annual Light the Darkness campaign by lighting a candle and placing it in your window as a symbol of hope and remembrance."

For more information on the Holocaust Memorial Trust, visit hmd.org.uk