Thurrock Council will mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 with a public memorial service and a special shared reading session, giving residents the opportunity to remember the victims of the Holocaust and more recent genocides.
Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and is a time to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others persecuted under the Nazi regime and in subsequent genocides.
This year’s national theme is “Bridging Generations”, which focuses on passing memories and learning from the past to future generations.
Memorial Service – Tuesday 27 January, 11am
A memorial service will take place at 11am on Tuesday 27 January 2026 at the Herbert E. Brooks Memorial Rest Garden, Grays (RM17 6RU). Residents and community members are welcome to attend.
The service will include reflections from civic representatives, readings by local schools, music, prayers and a Statement of Commitment, followed by a pebble-laying ceremony led by the Mayor of Thurrock.
Participants will include:
- The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Shinnick
- Rev Dr Kate Carter, Mayor’s Chaplain and Team Vicar for Grays Thurrock Team Ministry
- Local schools including Grays Convent High School, Hathaway Academy and Woodside Academy
- Representatives from the Thurrock Bosnian Community Group
Shared Reading Session – Tuesday 27 January, 2pm
Thurrock Libraries will also mark Holocaust Memorial Day with a special Shared Reading session at 2pm on Tuesday 27 January at Grays Library, Thameside Complex, Orsett Road, Grays (RM17 5DX).
The free session is open to anyone who would like to attend, and no booking is required. Texts to be read include:
- An excerpt from Night by Elie Wiesel
- First They Came by Pastor Martin Niemöller
- Belsen Silence by Iolo Lewis
The session will provide an opportunity for quiet reflection through literature.
