Ceredigion County Council is illuminating two of Aberystwyth’s most iconic buildings in a show of solidarity, respect and honour to all victims of genocide.

Until Thursday, 28 January, the bandstand on Aberystwyth’s seafront and the Alun R Edwards Centre will be lit up purple.

Holocaust Memorial Day is an international event which takes place annually on 27 January. The purpose of the day is to encourage remembrance of victims of genocide worldwide, including honouring the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of people killed under Nazi persecution and in the genocides that have happened since in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 is ’Be the light in the darkness’. It encourages everyone to reflect on the depth’s humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide.

Holocaust Memorial Day is for everyone. Each year across the UK, people come together to learn more about the past and take action to create a safer future.

Ceredigion County Council leader Cllr Ellen Ap Gwynn said: “It is vital to remember and raise awareness that the Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and genocide must still be resisted every day.

“Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable and we cannot be complacent. Even in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred exist and must be challenged by us all.

“Together we bear witness for those who endured genocide and honour the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition.”