On Tuesday 27 January, the annual Holocaust Memorial Day Service will take place in the Abbey Gardens Peace Garden at 10.30 am. This National Day of Remembrance is in honour of victims of genocide.

The theme for this year’s HMD is ‘Bridging Generations’ – a reminder that responsibility of remembrance does not end with survivors but lives on through all of us. The Holocaust Memorial Trust said, “Bridging Generations highlights the crucial role of the next generation in preserving the memory of the Holocaust and carrying it forward. It highlights the power of intergenerational dialogue – of listening to those who came before us and of sharing those stories with those who come after. In doing so, we don’t just preserve memory – we connect it to the present.”

During Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), all victims of genocide are remembered, including more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Joining a wide range of people from the local community for the service will be school students, local councillors and the MP who will contribute to the service. As well as the special service at 10.30 am, the Cathedral will be open throughout the day for reflection and contemplation.

Revd Canon Matthew Vernon said, “Events around the world remind us of the importance of learning from the past. Actions in our own lives remind us of the need to challenge all prejudice and intolerance.”

Also on 27 January, the Cathedral Tower will be lit in purple, along with iconic buildings and landmarks in the UK, for Holocaust Memorial Day’s Light the Darkness campaign – a powerful national moment of commemoration and solidarity. The public can also take part by placing a candle safely in their window at 8.00 pm on 27 January.