Council shows its support for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026
Monday 26 January 2026
Bridgend County Borough Council will once again show its support for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 by lighting the council building in purple as a mark of respect and remembrance to the victims who were persecuted and killed in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.
Residents across the county borough are encouraged to join in the nationwide ‘Lighting the Darkness’ Ceremony by lighting a candle at 8pm on Tuesday 27 January, safely placing it in your window to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives as a result of hatred, prejudice and persecution and to stand against prejudice and hatred today.
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 is ‘Bridging Generations’ which calls on people of all ages to take responsibility for remembrance, and to ensure that the lessons from the Holocaust are passed on to future generations. As survivor voices become fewer, the theme highlights the importance of preserving testimony, connecting generations, and turning memory into meaningful action.
Holocaust Memorial Day was established on 27 January 2000, when representatives from 46 countries around the world met in Stockholm to discuss Holocaust education, remembrance, and research. At the end of this meeting, all attendees signed a declaration committing to preserving the memory of those who were murdered in the Holocaust.
Residents are also encouraged to read the Seven Statements of Commitment for Holocaust Memorial Day
To register for the UK Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony, please visit: Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website.
Holocaust Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, reflection and responsibility and this theme reminds us that remembrance must not end with those who lived through these events. "Tragically, anti-Semitism, hatred and genocide still exist around the world but by standing together in remembrance, and challenging all forms of hate and prejudice, we can help build safer and more inclusive communities for our current and future generations.