Wellingborough Holocaust Memorial Day service cancelled due to Covid

An annual Wellingborough service to mark the Holocaust and subsequent genocides will be not be open to the public due to Covid restrictions.

Following discussions between Wellingborough Council and the Wellingborough Holocaust Memorial Day Committee this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day service and events will not take place in the usual way.

In recent years the council, Wellingborough Museum, and a committee of volunteers have organised a string of events to honour Holocaust Memorial Day - January 27.

The Mayor of Wellingborough, Cllr Jon Paul Carr said: "It is disappointing that we are unable to hold the memorial service at Swanspool Gardens, however we must think of the safety of us all during this time and adhere to Government guidance.

"Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and gives us all an opportunity to remember those who were persecuted and perished at the hands of the Nazis and also in more recent genocides. Marking Holocaust Memorial Day ensures that the horrendous crimes of racism and victimisation committed are never forgotten.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 is ‘Be the light in the darkness’ and encourages everyone to reflect on the dark depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide.

Cllr Carr and leader of the council, Cllr Martin Griffiths will pay their respects at a private event on behalf of the council in line with social distancing guidelines and current lockdown restrictions.

The mayor added: "Holocaust Memorial Day enables us to remember – for a purpose. It gives us a responsibility to work for a safer, better, future for everyone. Everyone can step up and use their talents to tackle prejudice, discrimination and intolerance wherever we encounter them.”

To watch and join in the national Holocaust Memorial Day Trust ceremony on Wednesday, January 27, at 7pm click here and register.