CUMBRIA County Council is lighting up buildings in purple to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and commemorate all those affected by genocide.

From today, numerous buildings and local landmarks will be illuminated in purple.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on January 27 each year and is a day to remember the millions of people who have been murdered or whose lives have been changed beyond recognition during the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

This year’s theme is ‘Be the light in the darkness’ and encourages everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide.

Due to the pandemic, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s annual UK Commemorative Event will be streamed online. The ceremony takes place on Wednesday 27 January and will run from 7-8pm. People are encouraged to register online through The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust's website in advance of the ceremony to receive a link.

Councillor Christine Bowditch, Chair of Cumbria County Council said: “Across Cumbria we will be remembering all those who have been affected by the Holocaust and genocides around the world.

“Holocaust Memorial Day is a chance for us to reflect and remember but also to think about our own actions and how we can ‘be the light in the darkness’.

“Due to the pandemic, this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day will be different to previous years, with most activities taking place online. However, this does not take away from the day’s importance or impact, and there are several ways we can safely get involved from home.”