THE 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz will be marked at a ceremony in Swindon.

The Holocaust Memorial Day gathering takes place at noon on January 27 at Regent Circus and will mark 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945.

Organiser Matt Holland said: “Swindon has shown a real keenness to continue recognising it and to see it as a day of remembrance, reflection and even education.

“This may be because of the many diverse communities that now make up its population, including many people who have settled here after they or their parents or grandparents suffered persecution, or even genocide, elsewhere in the world.

“Holocaust Memorial Day is not only an occasion to reflect on the atrocities of World War Two but the persecution of large numbers of people the world over.”

The theme this year is “Stand Together”, which explores how genocidal regimes have impacted societies by marginalising certain groups and how these tactics can be challenged by individuals standing together.

Matt added: “Each year that we mark HMD in Swindon, it becomes a more a significant day to me because of the people I meet, the stories I hear, the lessons I learn and the sense of gratitude, respect and kindness I witness in almost everyone who attends.

“It really does seem to be an occasion of togetherness, understanding, and eye-opening acceptance of one another, despite apparent differences.”

The town centre ceremony will be followed by a gathering for reading and reflection at 12.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Eastcott Hill, where sandwiches and hot drinks, will be provided.

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy is commemorating the day with its students.

Lead practitioner of the academy's Holocaust, genocide and human rights programme Nicola Wetherall said: “This will take a range of forms; special assemblies led by headteacher George Croxford, tutor time activities focusing on personal stories of Holocaust and genocide survivors and special projects.

“For us, the Holocaust is not just a history lesson. It combines education with civic and commemoration - it's about our values and sense of community..”