Westmorland and Furness Council will mark this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) by lighting up key buildings.
This is part of the national #LightTheDarkness initiative led by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT).
On Tuesday (27 January), the clock faces of Barrow Town Hall and Kendal Town Hall, and the front of Voreda House in Penrith, will be illuminated in purple. Buildings and landmarks across the country take part each year to show solidarity and remembrance.
Held annually on 27 January, HMD marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. It is an international day where we remember the millions of people who have been murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and in more recent genocides. It is an occasion for people to come together to learn, remember and reflect.
The theme chosen by the HMDT for 2026 is ‘Bridging Generations’. It serves as a call to action, encouraging us all to engage actively with the past – to listen, to learn and to carry lessons forward. By doing so, we build a bridge between memory and action, between history and hope for the future.
Council libraries in Barrow, Kendal and Penrith will also commemorate HMD with themed displays.
Councillor Doug Rathbone, Chair of Westmorland and Furness Council, said:
“Holocaust Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the devastating impact of genocide. Across Westmorland and Furness, we will honour the millions of victims and all those affected by these atrocities worldwide.
“As we reflect on these events, we are reminded of the importance of fostering understanding and respect within our communities today.
“We also want to praise the incredible contribution made to our community by the Windermere Children – the Jewish refugees who came to the Lake District after the Second World War.”
For more information on Holocaust Memorial Day, visit the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website.