Published: Wednesday, 17th January 2018

Royal Greenwich will remember the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in two separate ceremonies. The theme this year is 'The Power of Words'.

Holocaust Memorial Day is commemorated internationally on 27 January each year. This date was chosen as it is the anniversary of the day in 1945 on which the Soviet Army liberated the largest Nazi concentration camp - Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Woolwich event - Friday 26 January, 10.30am

The first event, a commemoration service, will be held in the Victoria Hall, Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich SE18 6PN. The service will include performances from local school children and contribution from multi faith leaders. The event will be led by the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr Peter Brooks and the Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr Denise Hyland.

This event is open to the public who are welcome to turn up - no need to book or register.

Charlton event - Saturday 27 January, 7.30pm to 10pm

A second event will be held at Charlton House. Organised in partnership with Global Fusion Music and Art, this event will include live music from pianist and composer Roland Perrin who has worked with Holocaust Kinder survivors on recordings which will be played on the evening. As well as the performances, there will be refreshments available.

'Reflect on the millions of lives lost'

The Leader of the Royal Borough, Cllr Denise Hyland, said: "These memorial events allow us to reflect on the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust and in the other tragic genocides that have occurred. Such events support the importance of communities working together and speaking in one united voice against the forces of intolerance, hate, and the voices of fascism."