RESIDENTS and community groups are being given the opportunity to get involved with Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD).

The day, observed in January, is marked by Redditch Borough Council and its partners with an event each year, in which members of the community can come together to remember the millions of people who have been murdered or whose lives have been changed by the Holocaust and other subsequent genocides.

One of the aims of HMD is to ensure that future generations are educated so that such atrocities do not happen again.

As a result the council is planning ahead and calling for local residents, schools, organisations and community groups who would like to be involved in next year’s event to get in touch.

Each year, time is dedicated to remembering the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides with a special service and a procession through the town centre.

This is then followed by a number of speakers and performances from local choirs, schools and community groups to celebrate the diversity of the town and overcoming such adversity.

In previous years the event has seen performances by local people, including borough first schools, the Kerala Cultural Association, Redditch Polish School and Redditch Community Gospel Choir.

Jonathan Cochrane, arts, events and museums manager, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is one of the most important events in our calendar and whilst it may seem early to be thinking about next January, we are aware that many schools and groups break up for the summer and we want to give them the opportunity to sign up to be involved in advance.

"If you are interested, please do get in touch.”

Although facilitated by Redditch Borough Council, the event comes as part of a partnership with other individuals and community groups that have a passionate interest in this area and the council are encouraging more groups in the area to get involved.

The 2019 event will take place on January 26.

If you know of any individuals, organisations, groups or schools that might wish to be involved, please contact the councils arts and events team on 01527 534030 or email events@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.