A SPECIAL event is being held to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The ceremony, at Leigh Town Hall, will commemorate the atrocities of the Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War and other genocides.

Lynda Jackson, a community history manager at the museum, will give readings and pupils from Leigh Sacred Heart Primary School will present poems and sing a song.

Lynda said: “We would like people to come along and join us in remembering the Holocaust and other atrocities that have taken place around the world.

"This year is particularly poignant as it is the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia.”

The council’s cabinet member for resources, Cllr Paul Kenny, said: “It is vital that we educate future generations about these events to ensure we promote a positive, peaceful future; and I would encourage everyone to take some time to reflect on this during Holocaust Memorial Day.”

The event will be held on Tuesday from 11.30am after a similar ceremony has taken place at the Museum of Wigan Life from 9.30pm.

Mayor of Wigan Council, Cllr Phyllis Cullen, added: “I think it is very important that people never forget the terrible tragedy of so many innocent lives lost during this horrendous persecution.

“This is a day when we have the opportunity to pay our respects.”

Anyone who would like to attend is asked to call 01942 828128 or email wiganmuseum@wigan.gov.uk Holocaust Memorial Day is co-ordinated nationally by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. For more information, visit hmd.org.