PEOPLE across Redditch are invited to commemorate this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday January 26.
Holocaust Memorial Day, officially on the 27th of January, is held annually as a day for people around the world to remember all those who have lost their lives because of genocide.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where many lost their lives during the Holocaust and many more under Nazi Persecution.
Also in 2025 are the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica and crimes in Bosnia. Genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, and Darfur are also being commemorated as part of the memorial events.
Residents are being asked to submit artworks during those anniversary years to create collaborative public displays for the Ecumenical Centre and Redditch Library.
To embody this year’s theme ‘A Better Future’, the people of Redditch are invited to create images of candles and flames in any form they like.
Submissions can be dropped off to Redditch Library or emailed to: [email protected] by Monday, January 20.
Portfolio holder for leisure, Coun Juliet Barker Smith, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the horrors of the past, remembering all those who lost their lives in the atrocities of the Holocaust and genocides around the world.
“It is our goal, through these events, that everyone in our communities feel their history is remembered and everyone has a chance to reflect meaningfully on this important day of commemoration.”
There are also two events scheduled in Redditch as part of the national Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations.
The first takes place at 11am on January 26. Everyone is welcome to attend an outdoor service at the Holocaust Memorial Marker in the town centre.
This event will provide a chance for reflection and remembering all those who have tragically lost their lives. There will be a service of selected readings and include laying of white roses.
Following this, there will be a ticketed event with the chance to hear about the lives of two extraordinary survivors of genocide.
From 12pm, at the Ecumenical Centre, Simon Winston BEM, a Holocaust survivor, and Mirsad Solakovic, a survivor of the Bosnian genocide, will share their stories.
To manage numbers, free tickets are required to attend the event from 12pm and due to the nature of the topics discussed this is a strictly 16+ event.
Visit redditchbc.gov.uk/things-to-do/events-in-redditch/redditch-holocaust-memorial-day-2025/ to book spaces.
Redditch Borough Council leader, Coun Joe Baker, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day not only gives us time to pause and remember those who have lost their lives, but also to recommit ourselves to working towards a better future through education and the continued fight against discrimination, injustice, and violence.
“I would also like to express my sincerest thanks to all those on the committee who have helped to make this year’s events a reality.”
