Commemorative event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2021

Published: 27 January 2021

A commemorative event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, on Wednesday 27 January, will be available to view online this year. Presented by Derby’s Holocaust Memorial Day planning group, the theme for 2021 is ‘Be the Light in the Darkness’. The programme will include musical, dance and spoken word pieces as well as addresses representing international Embassies.

The commemorative event includes a keynote address by Dr Larissa Allwork, of the University of Derby with The Derby Hebrew Congregation’s Response to the Holocaust; music played on the Traditional Iranian Santoor; Derek Niemann and Dr Noemie Lopian, who together representing both sides of the Holocaust; a talk about Derby resident Olga Nahlak; presentations on behalf of the Derby Bosnia Herzegovina Community Association; and finally presentations on behalf of Derby’s Ukrainian Community include the Holodomor Service in The Sir Peter Hilton Memorial Gardens and a performance by Derby’s Hoverla Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. This year's event is also dedicated to the memory of the late Geoff Robson, Derby Cathedral’s Exhibitions Officer and a founder member of Derby’s Holocaust Memorial Day planning group.

The commemorative Holocaust Memorial Day Derby film can be viewed on Youtube.

The film was produced by QUAD, and replaces the usual annual event of spoken word, music and performances held in the venue. It is presented by Derby’s Holocaust Memorial Day planning group, who have marked the date with a programme of events in Derby since 2001. There will also be other virtual events for 2021, including a virtual service at Derby Cathedral. For more information on Holocaust Memorial Derby events 2021, please see the Holocaust Memorial Day website. 

The Mayor of the City of Derby, Councillor Frank Harwood said:

I am incredibly proud of Derby's engagement with Holocaust Memorial Day, not just this year, but also the years of hard work which have already been invested.  The commitment and determination of the Holocaust Memorial Day working group has been highlighted even more so by their response to the challenges faced by Covid-19. Their resilience to continue their work is inspiring, and on behalf of the City of Derby, I am very grateful for all that they have done, and I know will continue to do in the future.

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