Holocaust Memorial Events Scheduled

There are several events scheduled in Redditch for Holocaust Memorial Day this year on Sunday 26th January.

Holocaust Memorial Day, officially on the 27th of January, is held annually as a day for people around the world to remember all those who have lost their lives because of genocide. 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where many lost their lives during the Holocaust and many more under Nazi Persecution.

2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica and crimes in Bosnia. Genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, and Darfur are also commemorated as part of the memorial events.

To commemorate the anniversaries, residents are being asked to submit artworks in order to create collaborative public art displays for the Ecumenical Centre and Redditch Library.

This year’s theme is ‘A Better Future’.  To embody that, and collectively inspire a feeling of hope, the people of Redditch, of all ages, are invited to create images of candles and flames in any form they like: painting, drawing, poetry, collage, textiles or any other way of expressing themselves imaginatively that they can think of.  Submissions can be dropped off to Redditch Library or emailed to events@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk by January 20th.  

Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Cllr. Juliet Barker Smith, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the horrors of the past, remembering all those who lost their lives in the atrocities of the Holocaust and genocides around the world. It is our goal, through these events, that everyone in our communities feel their history is remembered and everyone has a chance to reflect meaningfully on this important day of commemoration." 

There are also two events scheduled in Redditch as part of the national Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations.

The first takes place at 11am on 26th of January. Everyone is welcome to attend an outdoor service held at the Holocaust Memorial Marker in Redditch town Centre. This event will provide a chance for reflection and remembering all those who have tragically lost their lives. There will be a service of selected readings as well as the laying of white roses.

Following this, there will be a ticketed event with the chance to hear the stories of two extraordinary survivors of genocide.

From 12pm, at the Ecumenical Centre, we will be joined by Simon Winston BEM, a Holocaust survivor, and Mirsad Solakovic, a survivor of the Bosnian genocide, who will share their stories.

To manage numbers, tickets are required to attend the event from 12pm and due to the nature of the topics discussed this is a strictly 16+ event. Tickets are free and can be acquired here: https://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/things-to-do/events-in-redditch/redditch-holocaust-memorial-day-2025/redditch-holocaust-memorial-day-in-conversation-with-simon-winston-and-mirsad-solakovic/

Leader of Redditch Borough Council, Cllr. Joe Baker, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day not only gives us time to pause and remember those who have lost their lives, but also to recommit ourselves to working towards a better future through education and the continued fight against discrimination, injustice, and violence. I would also like to express my sincerest thanks to all those on the committee who have helped to make this year’s events a reality.”

For more details on the events and collaborative art project, please visit https://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/things-to-do/events-in-redditch/redditch-holocaust-memorial-day-2025/ or contact events@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk


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