DORSET will come together later this month to mark Holocaust Memorial Day with a public event in Dorchester dedicated to remembrance, reflection and learning.

On Tuesday, January 27, a free drop-in exhibition will be held at the Corn Exchange between 10am and 12pm, organised by Dorchester Town Council, Dorset Council and Kushti Bok.

Hosted by the mayor of Dorchester, the event is open to all and aims to provide a calm, thoughtful space to honour those who suffered and died during the Holocaust and in genocides that followed.

Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the six million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime, as well as the millions of others who were persecuted and killed, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled people, gay men, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Slavic communities, political opponents and prisoners of war

It also remembers victims of more recent genocides in places such as Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 is Bridging Generations, which focuses on the responsibility shared by younger generations to carry forward the stories and lessons of the past.

Organisers say the theme is about connecting memory with action and ensuring that remembrance continues long after survivors’ voices fall silent.

The exhibition will include artwork and poetry created by children, alongside information displays exploring the Holocaust and other genocides.

Visitors will also be able to view work by Lorna Brunstein, a second-generation Holocaust survivor whose art reflects on identity, memory and inherited trauma.

Those attending will be invited to light a candle in remembrance of those persecuted in the past and people who continue to suffer around the world today.

Free refreshments will be available throughout the morning.

Chair of Dorset Council Cllr Stella Jones said Holocaust Memorial Day offers “an opportunity for everyone to pause, reflect and learn lessons from the past to help create a safer, better future”, adding that the Holocaust Memorial Day flag will be flown over County Hall.

Dorchester mayor Cllr Andy Canning said that, amid ongoing global conflict, remembering Holocaust Memorial Day is “more important than ever”.

Further resources linked to this year’s theme are available from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.