Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked at similar events across the world.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Geoff Reid, will light candles and bear witness along with over 100 representatives from Bradford’s communities at an annual ceremony held in Bradford’s City Hall.

Representatives of Bradford’s Jewish community, Central and Eastern European communities, Bosnian Srebrenica and modern day victims will also light candles and pledge to never forget the holocaust nor forget its lessons.

They will be joined by Gypsy, Traveller and Roma groups, second generation relatives of victims, children who were hidden during the holocaust, disabled people and representatives from trade unions and lesbian, gay and bisexual groups.

Leader of Bradford Council, Coun Susan Hinchcliffe and guest speaker, Bradford Jewish historian, Nigel Grizzard will talk about this year’s theme, ‘How can life go on?’.

Violinists, Mark Ostyn and James Uttley will play classical pieces including  Schindler’s List by John Williams, Air on a G String by Bach and Ave Maria by Bach.

Pupils from St John’s Primary School will sing songs to remember the victims and survivors of genocides.

To close the ceremony, Rudi Leavor, chairman of the Bradford Synagogue, will sing Brahms’ Lullaby and the Jewish mourning song, El Male Rachamim.

Tragically, the Holocaust was a defining episode of the 20th century.

It was on 27 January, 1945, that the largest Nazi killing camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated.

Bradford’s Lord Mayor, Coun Geoff Reid, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to stand together and remember the Holocaust and other genocides.

“We must never forget the depth of suffering caused by genocide and it is important we are aware of how it develops so we can do everything possible to prevent it ever happening again.

“It is also essential we understand how we can help survivors and communities move on and recover from genocide.”

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is tremendously moving every year. 

“It is our obligation to remember. Without remembrance we never learn the lessons.”

Bradford’s Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony takes place at 11am, Friday, 27 January in City Hall, Bradford.

To request a place, telephone Anna Frater on 01274 431498 or email anna.frater@bradford.gov.uk.

For more information please contact Anna Frater, Community Engagement Officer, telephone 01274 431498 or email anna.frater@bradford.gov.uk

For further information on Holocaust Memorial Day in the UK visit www.hmd.org.uk