Published Tuesday 27 January 2026 at 17:28

A moving commemoration to victims of the Holocaust was held at Blackburn Cathedral today. Holocaust Memorial Day is an annual commemoration that takes place on 27 January.

Everyone attending the HMD event at the cathedral remembered the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur and other recent conflicts.

The event was hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, the Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum and the Cathedral.  

The theme for 2026 is ‘Bridging Generations’, a reminder that the responsibility of remembrance does not end with the survivors – it lives on through their children, their grandchildren and all of us.

Pupils from local secondary schools shared their thoughts on the subject and Deputy Youth MP for Blackburn with Darwen Arianna Sultana was chosen to represent the young people.

Her powerful speech talked about the lessons of the Holocaust belonging to every generation, but the duty to protect those lessons now belonging to our generation, “Never Again” must be more than a phrase. It must be a promise that we keep alive through understating, action and remembrance.

Arianna continued:

“May we be the generation that listens.
May we be the generation that learns.
And may we be the generation that continues the Bridge Building so that the past is never forgotten, and the future is shaped by understanding rather than hate.

As we reflect on the lives lost, the communities destroyed, and the courage of those who survived, let’s also think about the Bridge we are helping to Build that is made from memory, from responsibility, and from hope.”

The Canon James Lawrence welcomed guests to the cathedral and opening remarks were also made by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Jacquie Slater.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, who attended the event said:

“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important date in our community calendar. It provides opportunity to reflect on the Holocaust and other atrocities.

Our Blackburn with Darwen community stands together united to reject hatred in all its ugly forms and that includes antisemitism, islamophobia and other forms of racism.

Thank you to the cathedral for hosting us today and the Interfaith Forum for organising the event alongside all our wonderful schools.”

Rabbi Arnold Saunders, a great friend of the borough who regularly contributes to local Holocaust Memorial Day activities, was sadly unable to join today due to ill health but sent some thoughts to be read out on his behalf. 

A statement of commitment was read out by Derek Estill on behalf of the BwD Interfaith Forum as well as closing remarks by the Chief Executive of the Council, Denise Park.

At the end of the ceremony candles were lit as a sign of peace and unity, and a one minute silence was also observed.

Find out more about HMD on the official website: https://hmd.org.uk/

Source: https://theshuttle.org.uk/bridging-generations-at-holocaust-memorial-day-ceremony/