Reform council's flag-flying policy may change Kettering's annual Holocaust Memorial ceremony

Every year on January 27, events are held across the globe to mark International Holocaust Memorial Day – the date is in memory of the victims of the Holocaust and the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland on the same day in 1945.

The traditional flag-raising ceremony using a flag pole outside the former Kettering Borough Council offices – in North Northants Council ownership since 2021 – was continued by the newly-formed Kettering Town Council.

Under the unitary council arrangements, permission was granted for the flag to be raised in Bowling Green Road to allow the town’s successive mayors to lead residents and other invited dignitaries in sombre reflection.

Following the election Reform UK’s leaders ordered its councils, including North Northants Council, take on a new flag flying protocol – removing flags of other countries such as Ukraine, the Pride flag and Black History Month – and sticking with ‘patriotic’ Union Flags.

Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “Under the current and previous flag flying arrangements, the council has not flown the Holocaust Memorial flag.

“The council has in previous years supported local groups with marking this day, such as memorial events held in the (Corby) Cube Chamber.

"Whilst we are not aware of any specific events taking place this year, we will always consider if we can accommodate requests from local organisations.”

Kettering’s event is organised by Kettering Town Council and they have confirmed they have invited the chairman of North Northants Council to their event.

Clerk of Kettering Town Council Martin Hammond said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is proceeding as planned on Tuesday, January 27. As part of that we will expect to hoist the Holocaust Memorial Day flag, as we have every year for a long time.”

It is not sure if the flag will be able to be raised at the Bowling Green Road poles as in previous years, or on the flagpole next to Kettering War Memorial in the Manor House Gardens.

Cllr Griffiths added: “Councillors, including myself, will be attending events to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day across North Northamptonshire - joining with communities on such an important day of reflection.”

Victims of the holocaust will be remembered in Kettering as part of Holocaust Memorial Day in the Manor House Gardens, off Sheep Street, at 11am on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Hosted by the mayor of Kettering, the event consists of a short, non-denominational service of remembrance for victims of genocide worldwide including current conflicts.

An event to be held in Wellingborough will take place two days before the day itself, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 2pm in Swanspool Gardens.