Holocaust Memorial Day Events in Leeds Highlight Remembrance

January 20, 2026 Off By

Leeds to host civic event and additional activities for Holocaust Memorial Day

Leeds will mark Holocaust Memorial Day with a series of events aimed at remembering the victims of genocide and educating the community about the consequences of hatred and intolerance. The main civic event, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen, will take place at City Varieties Music Hall on Sunday 25 January at 2:00pm.

Civic Event Details

The annual Holocaust Memorial Day event in Leeds commemorates the six million Jewish men, women, and children killed during the Holocaust, as well as other minority groups persecuted by the Nazis. It also recognises victims of later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr Tracy Craggs, head of collections at the Holocaust Centre North, University of Huddersfield. Dr Craggs has worked with the Holocaust Survivors’ Friendship Association for 18 years and supports Holocaust survivors and their families in Yorkshire.

The event will include a multimedia performance titled Sight by artist Laura Fisher. The piece uses photography, video, sound, and spoken word to explore the experiences of Holocaust survivor Iby Knill, retracing her journey across the no man’s land between Czechoslovakia and Hungary in 1942.

Musical contributions will be made by the United Hebrew Congregation choir, led by Rabbi Alby Chait MBE. The ceremony will conclude with a reading of seven statements of commitment and candle lighting by representatives of groups persecuted during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. Rabbi Anthony Gilbert, the Lord Mayor’s Chaplain, will close the event with a memorial prayer.

Statements from Officials

Councillor Dan Cohen, Lord Mayor of Leeds, said the event plays an important role in ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust and later genocides are not forgotten. He emphasised the importance of remembrance in combating division and hate, and in promoting peace and tolerance.

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, highlighted the significance of Holocaust Memorial Day in a multicultural city like Leeds. He described it as a reminder of the dangers of hate, racism, and xenophobia, and stressed the need for community solidarity and acceptance of diversity.

Additional Holocaust Memorial Day Events

Author Talk: Roxanne de Bastion will discuss her book The Piano Player of Budapest at the Reginald Centre in Chapel Allerton on Thursday 29 January at 7:00pm. The book tells the true story of Stephen de Bastion, a young pianist who experienced the Holocaust and escaped. Tickets are available on a pay-as-you-feel basis.
Film Screening: The Oscar-nominated comedy-drama A Real Pain will be shown at Seven Artspace in Chapel Allerton on Wednesday 22 January at 7:30pm. The film follows two cousins touring Poland to honour their grandmother, confronting family tensions and history. Tickets are pay-as-you-can at the door.

Attendance and Booking Information

Some tickets for the main Holocaust Memorial Day event at City Varieties are still available free of charge and can be booked online. Details for the additional events and ticketing are also available through the respective venues.