Holocaust Memorial Day events
There are a number of free Holocaust Memorial Day events taking place across York. Unless stated, all events are physically accessible. Contact each venue for specific accessibility information.
Find out more about the:
- 600 candles commemoration event for Holocaust Memorial Day - Thursday 23 January
- City of York Civic Event including reading of the Seven Commitments - Monday 27 January
- University of York Holocaust Memorial Day lecture - Wednesday 29 January
- Clifford’s Tower Commemoration - Sunday 16 March
The 600 candles commemoration event for Holocaust Memorial Day
The 600 candles commemoration event was held on Thursday 23 January at Chapter House, York Minster.
All were welcome and invited to this annual act of commemoration held in the Chapter House of York Minster; an opportunity to listen, reflect and light candles as we explored this year’s theme ‘For a Better Future.’
The City of York Civic Event including reading of the Seven Commitments
The City of York Civic Event, hosted by the Lord Mayor and Civic party, was held on Monday 27 January at the Creative Centre, York St John University.
This informal evening included speeches from Dr Alessandro Bucci, a theatre performance from York St John University students, and a reading of the Seven Commitments.
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 is embracing the national theme, ‘For a Better Future’. There are many things we can all do to create a better future. We can speak up against Holocaust and genocide denial and distortion; we can challenge prejudice; we can encourage others to learn about the Holocaust and more recent genocides.
The University of York Holocaust Memorial Day lecture
The University of York Holocaust Memorial Day lecture. "My Family in Exile: Dame Stephanie Shirley CH." took place on Wednesday 29 January.
This online event was organised in response to the 2025 Holocaust Memorial Day theme of ‘For a Better Future.’
Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, also known as Steve, is a workplace revolutionary and successful IT entrepreneur turned ardent venture philanthropist. Dame Stephanie’s story began with her 1939 arrival in Britain as an unaccompanied 5-year-old Kindertransport refugee. This defining experience equipped her with fortitude and made her determined to live a life worth saving.
Dame Stephanie's inspiring talk explored her family’s experience of escaping Nazi persecution, their life as refugees, and her remarkable journey from a child of the Kindertransport to one of the UK’s most influential entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
Reflecting on the themes of survival, resilience, and the power of remembrance, Dame Stephanie addressed the legacy of the Holocaust and how its lessons resonate in today’s world. Her personal story speaks to the enduring human spirit and the vital importance of tolerance, compassion, and action in our society.
The Clifford’s Tower Commemoration
This event will take place on Sunday 16 March at Clifford’s Tower, Tower Street, York YO1 9SA, from 6.30pm to 8.00pm.
Commemoration of the 1190 massacre of York’s Jewish population at the site of York Castle at Clifford’s Tower, attended by the Lord Mayor and Civic Party, with music, spoken accounts and contributions, concluding with prayer and an act of remembrance.
Book your tickets to attend the Clifford’s Tower Commemoration.
If you have any questions, email: laura.williams@york.gov.uk or telephone: 076563 252249.
Also see
Laura Williams
Assistant Director - Customer, Communities and Inclusion