Holocaust Memorial Day Service 2026 – Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea

Each year, Southend-on-Sea commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day with a meaningful Service of Commemoration that honours the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. In 2026, this poignant event takes place on Sunday, 25 January at the Civic Centre on Victoria Avenue — a central civic venue in Southend that welcomes residents, visitors, schools, and community groups to reflect and remember together.

The service features a blend of poetry, readings, and music, carefully curated to create a respectful yet powerful atmosphere. A key highlight of the programme is a personal address by Marta Josephs, who shares insights into the harrowing experiences her late father endured during the Holocaust. Her testimony offers a deeply human perspective, ensuring the voices of survivors continue to educate and resonate with new generations.

Holocaust Memorial Day events, including this service, are part of a wider UK tradition marking the national Holocaust Memorial Day observed annually on or around 27 January, coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945. This international day of remembrance serves as a moment to honour not only the Jewish victims of Nazi persecution but also Roma, Sinti, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled communities, political prisoners, and others who suffered under genocide and mass atrocities.

Following the main commemoration, Southend holds a tree-planting ceremony on Tuesday, 27 January at 12 pm at Chalkwell Esplanade, symbolising growth, hope, and ongoing commitment to remembering those lost.

The event is free and open to all, inviting reflection, learning, and community participation. Whether you’re attending with family, educational groups, or on your own, this service offers an important opportunity to come together in remembrance and to engage with history in a thoughtful, inclusive setting.