Holocaust Memorial Day

Leigh On Sea News: Holocaust Memorial Day – SOUTHEND Council is inviting residents to attend this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day events, as the city comes together to remember the millions who suffered under the Nazi regime and in subsequent genocides.
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, “Bridging Generations”, highlights the importance of passing stories, learning and responsibility from one generation to the next.
The city’s annual civic service of commemoration will take place on Sunday 25 January at 3pm at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend (SS2 6ER). The service is free and open to all, with seating available in the Civic Chamber public gallery. It will also be available to watch online from Tuesday 27 January at: www.southend.gov.uk/hmd
This year’s guest speaker is Marta Josephs, who will give a personal address about the experiences of her late father, Andrew Frankel, a Hungarian Jew who survived the Mauthausen and Gunskirchen concentration camps before fleeing Hungary with his family during the 1956 uprising.
The programme will also include music, reflections, poetry, and a presentation from students at St Bernard’s High School. Parking at the Civic Centre will be free on the afternoon of Sunday 25 January, with refreshments available after the service.
On Tuesday 27 January at 12 noon, The Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Coun Nigel Folkard, will join local Jewish community leaders to plant a tree at Chalkwell Esplanade, in memory of all those who perished in the Holocaust and other genocides worldwide. The tree planting is open to all.
Three supporting exhibitions will also take place across the city: Between Life and Death – Stories of Rescue during the Holocaust, The Forum, Elmer Square (until 28 January): 80 Candles for 80 Years, a nationwide arts and education exhibition marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, at the Civic Centre (until 28 January): Remembering Srebrenica, displayed alongside 80 Candles for 80 Years at the Civic Centre.
All events are free of charge, with no booking required.
Cun Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend Council, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a moment for us to pause and reflect.
“The stories we hear – including those shared by families like Marta’s – remind us of the human cost of hatred and why we must keep these lessons alive. Remembering helps us build a better, kinder future.”
Coun Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said: “These events give residents the opportunity to listen, learn and reflect together. Culture plays a vital role in keeping memory alive, and this year’s programme shows how those stories can be shared across generations.”
Picture: This year’s guest speaker is Marta Josephs
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