West Northants to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2026
21 January 2026
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will join communities across the country in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on Tuesday 27 January 2026, reflecting on the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered during the Holocaust, along with millions more who lost their lives under Nazi persecution.
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 is “Bridging Generations,” with the aim to remind us that the duty to remember does not end with survivors alone, but continues through their children, grandchildren and within each of us. This theme calls on communities to actively engage with the past by listening to stories, learning from history and carrying those lessons forward to connect history with hope and ensure the legacy of those who suffered is never forgotten.
To mark the day dignitaries and community groups will come together for a ceremony in the Great Hall, in the Guildhall, Northampton from noon. The event will commence with refreshments and Challah Bread upon arrival followed by various speakers and performances including; String Quarter Music Performance by Northamptonshire Music Performance Arts Trust and Northampton School for Boys, reflections and contributions, statement of commitments from local schools and a memorial prayer and Shofar. The ceremony will close with lighting of memorial candles.
The Council’s One Angel Square building will also be lit up at 8pm to coincide with the Light the Darkness National Moment where people can light candles and place them safely in their windows to stand against prejudice and hatred today.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at West Northamptonshire Council said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a moment to pause and reflect on the countless lives lost to genocide. It is a time to honour the millions of Jewish men, women and children, as well as the many others who sadly lost their lives under Nazi persecution and stand alongside the families and communities affected. I warmly encourage residents to join us in this important act of reflection.”
To view the full programme for the day, please visit the Holocaust Memorial Day webpage.