Swansea Council marks Holocaust Memorial Day with virtual event

Swansea Council is holding an online event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the council is unable to hold its usual service to mark the day, so the event has instead moved online.

The council said that they will also feature regular posts on their social media accounts from 2pm to 5pm today.

The theme for the 2021 Holocaust Memorial Day is 'Be light in the darkness,' with civic leaders, schools, community organisations and partner agencies all contributing to the day.

A short musical tribute from Bishopston Comprehensive School, singing 'Stars' from the musical Les Miserables, and Gowerton School singing 'Bridge of Light' was also featured.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: "Usually Swansea's Holocaust Memorial Day is hosted by one of our schools but due to the restrictions sadly this year that will not be possible so we are inviting all communities across the city to join us online.

"The day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the atrocities of the past but it is especially important for our younger generations to both learn about these despicable crimes and also to remember the millions of victims so their stories are passed down from generation to generation so they are never forgotten.

"I'm pleased that our schools will be so well represented and will lead by example in demonstrating that prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.

"The council and our partners are jointly working towards gaining recognition as an official Human Rights City and intend to create a civic ceremony in future years to add to the important memorial events we hold in our schools."

Holocaust Memorial Day is observed around the world on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

A national commemorative ceremony will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 27 January, anyone wishing to view this can register online here.

You can follow the virtual event on the council's Facebook Page here.