Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 commemorations

Holocaust Memorial Day is the international day to remember those killed under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

This Day is commemorated on 27th January, the date on which Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated. This was the most infamous of the Nazi camps where over 1.1million people were murdered, over 90% of them Jewish.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 marks 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of genocide in Bosnia.

There are a number of commemoration events planned in Bedford Borough to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2020.

The Higgins Bedford is taking part in the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust '75 Memorial Flames' project with a display of Memorial Flames made by Bedford's local community. This display will be open and free for the public to see from Tuesday 21st to Friday 31st January.

The Place Theatre will be showing the film 'Escapre from Warsaw' on Thursday 23rd at 7pm and holding an evening of poerty on Friday 24th at 7pm.

The Higgins will also be hosting a talk on 'The Legacy of Anne Frank' by Gillian Walnes Perry MBE, the co-founder of the Anne Frank Trust, on Sunday 26th. Further details are available on the Higgins Bedford website.

Sunday 26th also sees the Civic Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration, from 4-5pm at The Higgins Bedford. Organised by the Bedford Council of Faiths and featuring Music4Memory and participants from the local community. All are welcome to attend this free event.

On Monday 27th, Holocaust Memorial Day itself, a Commemoration will take place at the Anne Frank Tree in Russell Park at 12.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "Holocaust Memorial Day is a poignant, sad and crucial time where we come together to remember those who were killed in genocide. The Commemorations take on a particular significance this year, marking both 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 25th anniversary of genocide in Bosnia. All are welcome at attend the commemoration events at The Higgins Bedford and at Russell Park."

The Revd. Cass Howes, Chair of Bedford Council of Faiths said "During the Holocaust Memorial events, we come together as people from many faiths and of no faith to recall the atrocities that took place during The Holocaust and to reflect how we - individually and collectively can instigate changes that create a peaceful future world. Please join us"