A day of remembrance for the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, scheduled in Derby, falls on 27th January, the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the prisoners, from the Auschwitz death camp in Poland, persecuted under the Nazi regime. This officially designated day, the Holocaust Memorial Day, is not only for this genocide but also remembered for those who genocidally died in Cambodia, Bosnia, Darfur and Rwanda.
To mark this anniversary 70 specially designed candles designed by Anish Kapoor, of which one is for Derby, will be lit at different locations. Artist Kapoor has been commissioned to design the candle by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. On the keynote address event during the week of remembrance, one of these candles will be paraded through the city.
A group comprising of volunteers from all walks of life, is organising the memorial day in Derby, with support from the Mayor ‘s office. A single day’s event has turned into a full week of commemorations now. Included are talks, concerts, a multi-faith cathedral service, mediation, exhibitions, stone-setting and many more.
Anne John, speaking for the group, said that though the focus is on the date (27 February) of the liberation of Auschwitz, the year also marks the 100th year of the Armenian Genocide and the 20th year of the Srebrenica massacre. Members of the public are all invited to the mostly free events, being held for a whole week from 23rd January, Friday, but advance booking is advised.
