Landmarks across Borough to be lit purple for Holocaust Memorial Day

The international event takes place each year on 27 January to remember 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.

On the day Stockton Central Library will be screening the Oscar nominated film 'Hotel Rwanda', based on the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Tickets cost £3 for the 10am screening which will be followed by refreshments and a discussion. Booking is essential. Contact Stockton Central Library on 01642 526522 or call in.

Schools across the Borough will also be marking the day with special events for pupils.

The UK Ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day 2022 will be streamed online on January 27 at 7pm. Then at 8pm, households across the country are being encouraged to safely light candles in their windows to remember those lost, and to stand against prejudice and hatred today.

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "This year the organisers of Holocaust Memorial Day are urging us all to get ready to 'Light the Darkness' to remember those who were murdered for who they were and to take a stand against hatred and prejudice.

"Marking World Holocaust Day annually is important, not least in helping educate younger generations to ensure these atrocities are neither forgotten nor repeated."

The Council's popular memorial lighting scheme sees iconic structures like the Newport Bridge and Stockton Town Hall bathed in colourful lights to show the Borough's support for a range of good causes and important anniversaries throughout the year.