Council to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day 2019

Bridgend County Borough Council will once again mark Holocaust Memorial Day with a free public event to commemorate the victims and honour the survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

In partnership with Bridgend College, the event will take place at the Sony Theatre, Bridgend on Wednesday 23 January at 10:30am. The theme for 2019 is ‘torn from home’ and aims to encourage attendees to reflect on how the enforced loss of a safe place to call home is part of the trauma faced by anyone experiencing persecution and genocide.

Bridgend County Borough Council will welcome special guest, Jean-Paul Samputu, survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, who will speak about his personal experiences of losing his parents and three siblings during the genocide.

An internationally renowned singer, songwriter and peace activist, Jean-Paul travels the world as a cultural ambassador for Rwanda, communicating African singing, dancing, drumming and a message of peace, hope, forgiveness, reconciliation and love.

Jean-Paul will also be performing at the main Holocaust Memorial Day event in London on 27 January 2019.

In line with tradition, the seven statements of commitment will be read out during the event by key members of the public, plus a candle of remembrance will be lit by the Mayor of Bridgend County Borough, Councillor John McCarthy.

Bridgend College students will also compere the ceremony and there will be a performance by the Performing Arts students to close the event.

Up to 100 spaces are available for members of the public to attend the event, but places must be pre-booked on a first come, first serve basis by emailing marketing@bridgend.gov.uk or calling 01656 815322 by the deadline of Monday 14 January 2019.

Holocaust Memorial Day is a very important day in Bridgend County Borough and across the globe.

Here in Bridgend we hold a Holocaust Memorial Day event every year to remember all of the victims, who tragically lost their lives in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, and honour those who survived.

We are so grateful to Jean-Paul Samputu, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, for giving up his time to come along to the event and speak about his experiences both during and after the genocide.

Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Councillor Huw David

Parking for attendees is very limited at the venue so parking in the town centre or nearby car parks is advised. However, those with accessibility issues should provide this information when booking on to the event so a car parking space can be provided.