More Music, Lancaster Priory Church and Lancaster City Council commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 (HMD) in January. HMD is an annual event which gives an opportunity to remember all those whose lives were destroyed by the Holocaust, Nazi persecution, and the subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. It is a time to learn the lessons of the past and recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own – it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented.
Read the story of how we raised our voice HERE and enjoy the recording of it that was made for HMD 2021 below:
On Thursday 28th January, More Music’s Music Leader Leroy Lupton, along with Pete Moser brought together music, songs, prayers and reflections for Lancaster’s online observance of the occasion. This year they were privileged to be joined by Malcolm Thomas, Mayor of Lancaster, Erica Lewis leader of the city council and Cat Smith MP.
Lancaster City Council marked the international day of commemoration on 27th January by lighting up Lancaster Town Hall and Ashton Memorial in purple, the HMD colour.
Kathryn MacDonald, organiser and Director of More Music said, “This year we will be physically separated, but we especially need to come together to reflect, learn about the past and take action to create a safer future.”
During the week, Lancaster and Morecambe marked Holocaust Memorial Day with a variety of events:
Sun 24 Jan | 6.30pm
Lancaster Priory Church hosted a live stream short service of Evening Prayer. lancasterpriory.org
Mon 25 Jan | 7pm
Living Through the Holocaust, a film about the memories of Stephen Breuer, Lancaster based Holocaust survivor. The film, which raises awareness and provokes reflection, was shown via a watch party on More Music’s Facebook page.
facebook.com/More.Music1
Tue 26 Jan | 6pm
Stand Up to Racism held a national Holocaust Memorial Day event underlining the importance of opposing antisemitism and fascism, especially during the coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis.
Wed 27 Jan | 7pm – 8pm
The UK Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 ceremony was streamed online at 7pm.
hmd.org.uk/uk-holocaust-memorial-day-2021-ceremony/
Wed 27 Jan | 8pm
Light the Darkness – encouraged everyone to light a candle and put it in a window to remember those who were murdered for who they were and stand against prejudice and hatred today.
Thu 28 Jan | 6.30pm
More Music held a live Zoom event hosted by Pete Moser and featuring music, songs, prayers, reflections, images and more.
#HolocaustMemorialDay #LightTheDarkness
To find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day visit www.hmd.org.uk