Holocaust Memorial Day: Candle Lighting Ceremony

Holocaust Memorial Day 27 January 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. Holocaust Memorial Day is for everyone. Each year across the UK, we bring people together to learn more about the past, empathise with people today, and work to build a better future. ‘For a better future’ is the theme of the day this year. Read more about Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and discrimination and persecution must still be resisted every day. Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable and we cannot be complacent. Wherever it takes place, including in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.  Community groups representing people who have faced prejudice or persecution will have stalls and information in the cathedral across the day. At noon the community groups will have light candles and some will give speeches, talks and poems. The ceremony will include:

• Introduction from the cathedral
• 'From All That Remains' – (video)
• “Conversations” – Cynthia Hollinsworth, Bernie Graham & Charlotte Lane
• Student presentation from Truro School
• Speech from Jeremy Jacobson, Kehillat Kernow
• A poem from Cornwall People First (Chris Jordan sadly recently passed away, the poem chosen by Chris will be read by a representative).
• Speech from Naeem Ahmad, representing the Muslim community
• Speech from James Vaughan, Chief Constable D & C Police – Speech& Candle
• Rob Rinder MBE - Prerecorded message (video)

Candle lighting will then take place with music provided by Truro School with closing words and blessing by  Rev Helen Byrne, School Chaplin, Truro School.

Candles will be lit by

• Survivors & Families…including Cynthia Hollinsworth, Bernie Graham, Ben Barkow, Saul Berger
• Col. Sir Edward Bolitho – Lord Lieutenant
• Sam Galsworthy – High Sherriff
• Cllr Linda Taylor – Leader of Cornwall Council
• Cllr Carol Swain – Mayor of Truro
• Supt Jim Saunders (Cornwall Police BCU, Snr Management Team)
• All other candle lighters representing community groups including Matthew Kenworthy-Gomes - Cornwall Pride, Elliot-  Transparent Presence, Prof Martin Siegert-  Deputy Vice Chancellor (Cornwall) at the University of Exeter,
   Sally Bowers- TravellerSpace, Joyte Brown-  Black Voices Cornwall, Bev Fitzgerald-Bevington - Coco bean Cornwall