Here's footage of the Mayor of Warwick marking Holocaust Memorial Day for the town

Today (January 27) marks Holocaust Memorial Day.

Every year the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) encourages remembrance of genocides around the world but this year ceremonies and acts of remembrance have had to be done differently.

Warwick has a proud tradition of marking Holocaust Memorial Day every year on January 27 with a civic ceremony lead by the Mayor.

In doing this, Warwick join towns and cities all over the world in spending some moments remembering the victims and horror of genocides and holocausts over the years.

Usually schools in the town also play their part, however due to lockdown and school closures this will be done differently.

This year with the rules about gatherings and social distancing the usual town centre ceremony could not take place

Instead, the Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Terry Morris read a poem to share with everyone. The poem is ‘The Butterfly’ by Pavel Friedman.

As well as this the Mayor also laid a wreath at the war memorial in Church Street.

Videos of the poem reading and the wreath laying are embedded in this article and are also available at: https://www.warwicktowncouncil.gov.uk/holocaust-2021/Many others in the county also took part in their own ceremonies and vigils on Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Kenilworth and Southam Labour party held a vigil via a video link where some of the members, friends and supporters of the local Labour party joined together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and pay their respects to the victims of genocide across the world.

There were readings of poems and other written texts, as well as sharing of personal experiences.

At 8pm participants lit a candle and held a minute silence.

Organiser Chris Mackinder said: “This was a very moving event as all who participated agreed - we were able to respectfully commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides.

"At the same time, those attending were able to learn lessons to ensure things like this never happen again.”