Northampton invites residents to mark Holocaust Memorial Day with minute of silence

Northampton will hold a virtual programme of activities marking Holocaust Memorial Day next week.

Community groups and dignitaries will deliver readings and performances through Northampton Borough Council's Facebook and YouTube channel.

This year's programme on January 27, beginning at 10.30am, is inspired by this year’s Memorial Day theme: ‘Be the light in the darkness’.

Residents are invited to commemorate the day through a minute of silence at 11am.

Councillor Anna King, Cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day offers us a chance not just to remember those who have died in past genocides, but to recognise that the lives of very many people today are still overshadowed by the impact of more recent atrocities across the world.

“The message of ‘Be the light in the darkness’ resonates even louder as we continue to live through the current pandemic and chimes closely with our ongoing collaboration with partners as we jointly work to create ‘a safer, better future’ for generations to come.

“People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join us virtually to commemorate the day.”

Contributions are being invited before and on the day from individuals and groups, including poems, songs, artwork, photography or just lighting a candle.

Additionally, art and faith groups, charities and schools, groups of all kinds and children and parents are invited to come together to make their own Memorial Flames. Contributions can be shared on social media using #VirtualHolocaustMemorialDay #HolocaustMemorialDay2021

In the evening residents are invited to join the national Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 ceremony streamed online at 7pm. To register go to the Holocaust Memorial Day website.