Various events will take place in Lancaster to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, the annual commemoration of the Holocaust – the mass murder of Jews, gays, gypsies trade unionists and Communists by the Nazis in the last century – on 27 January.
The Day is a time to remember those who have suffered and lost their lives during the Holocaust and other atrocities, perhaps by lighting a candle to show your support at embracing diversity and dispelling the darkness that racism, oppression and ignorance can lead to.
Lighting a candle is a Jewish custom to remember people who have passed away. It is also symbolic in many other faiths including Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
In the Lancaster District the lessons of the Holocaust will be remembered in a variety of ways. The Dukes is hosting a film lecture and discussion, Representations of the Holocaust on Tuesday 22nd January at 7.oopm; the annual commemoration co-ordinated by NCBI Lancashire is on 24th January at 6.30pm in the peace gardens by Lancaster Town Hall, followed by performances by young people in the Town Hall.
On Wednesday 27th January the Priory is hosting a vigil and commemoration starting at 6.30pm.
• If you cannot come to the events in the District you can also light a virtual candle by visiting the website www.hmd.org.uk. For more information phone NCBI Lancashire on 01524 383899 or email ncbilancs@ncbi.org.uk