A SPECIAL event will be held in Leigh tomorrow, Friday, as the town remembers the atrocities of the Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War.

Holocaust Memorial Day also remembers those who have suffered in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Darfur and Armenia.

The theme of this year’s event is Communities Together: Build a Bridge, with people being encouraged to celebrate difference, promote respect for all and take inspiration from the strength of those who have stood up to persecution in the past.

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, on behalf of Wigan Council, has organised two special commemoration events which will take place at the Derby Rooms at Leigh’s Turnpike Centre and also at Wigan Town Hall.

The Leigh ceremony will include readings and songs by students from Wigan and Leigh College.

Mayor of Wigan Clr Myra Whiteside will attend both events and will read out Wigan Council’s statement of commitment in honour and recognition of the victims of all atrocities.

Tomorrow’s events are open to everyone and take place at 10.30am at Wigan Town Hall, Hewlett Street entrance, and at 1.30pm at The Derby Rooms, Leigh Turnpike Centre.

Linda Marsh, from WLCT, said: “We would urge everyone to come along to either of these events and take just an hour to reflect on the horrors of past and how we can learn from them to help create a safer, better future within our own communities.”