The ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is to be held at St Paul’s Church, Preston, Paignton on 27 January 2015.

Isobel Webber, a Holocaust survivor, will speak at the service to lead in a moment of reflection honouring the memory of victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. Isobel was brought to Britain as part of a series of rescue missions that took place during the nine months prior to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Internationally renowned sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor has been revealed as the artist behind the candle design for the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s 70 candles for 70 years project. The specially designed candles will be lit across the UK as part of the Holocaust Memorial Day events.

Seven candles, including Sir Anish Kapoor’s candle commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz, will be lit at the event in Torquay by local dignitaries including the Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver, as well as representatives from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities.

Torbay’s Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: “To be selected to be part of this nationwide commemoration is an honour. It is a privilege to share this experience with Isobel, someone who can remind us of lessons learnt from the past, and encourage us to create a safer, better future for all.”

Candle designer, Sir Anish Kapoor, said: “It is hard sometimes to memorialise the suffering. That's why I think the candle is appropriate. The candle is a curious space, but it has a narrative and I hope I have captured it.”

For more information about Holocaust Memorial Day and the events taking place visit www.hmd.org.uk or follow The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust on Twitter @hmd_UK #hmd2015.

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