Public demonstrates support for Holocaust Memorial Day

Public support for the main commemoration in Belfast for the fourth National Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on January 27 at the Waterfront Hall, has exceeded expectations.

All seats for the event, which is being organised by the Home Office, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and Belfast City Council, have been taken.

Several other public events, being held in the run-up to the commemoration, are also fully booked. These included the inaugural Holocaust Memorial Day lecture, given by BBC correspondent, Fergal Keane, on January 26 in Belfast City Hall.

However, there are still a number of tickets available for a number of other free events. These include: ‘The Imperial War Museum Holocaust Exhibition, which has come to Belfast for the first time, which runs until January 30 at the City Hall; an exhibition of paintings by Moyra Manifold at the Lyric Theatre, which runs until January 27; and ‘Quilted’, a challenging theatre experience, which is performed in the tunnel below the River Lagan at the Lagan Lookout Centre.

A BBV recording of ‘Eternal Memory’, a commemoration of the Holocaust with music written by composers, some of whom were inspired by the Holocaust and others who lost their lives in it, which was performed earlier this week by the Ulster Orchestra, will be broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster on January 27 at 8:05pm.

An HMD spokesperson said: "The level of response from across Northern Ireland for attendance at the National Commemoration next Tuesday has been tremendous and so much that demand has simply outstripped supply.

"While, unfortunately, it has not been possible to accommodate everyone, members of the public still have an opportunity to pledge their support for the principles of the Day by signing the Books of Commitment at any of the 26 Council offices around Northern Ireland or through attending some of the other events that are still taking place, including the Quilted performance and a number of exhibitions."

Capacity is limited for ‘Quilted’ so free tickets must be gained in advance to guarantee admission. These can be obtained by calling the Holocaust Memorial Day office on: 028 90 277629 or by emailing: belfast2004@holocaustmemorial.day.gov.uk.

(KMcA)