Crowds of people bearing lanterns will parade through the street to remember the millions of people who have been victims of genocide.

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday January 27, Mayor of Hertsmere Paul Morris will lead a solemn procession through the streets of Borehamwood.

The crowd will assemble at Borehamwood Shopping Centre in Shenley Road and end at the Ark Theatre, where a ceremony will take place with secondary schools, youth groups and councillors and religious leaders.

The ceremony will include a two-minute silence, speeches from the Mayor and leader of the Council Morris Bright, survivor stories and musical performances.

Cllr Morris said: "The parade and ceremony are being held for people to pause to remember the millions of people who have been affected by the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

“We’re fortunate in the UK that we are not at risk of genocide but we must work together to challenge and eradicate all forms of discrimination, racism and hatred and Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to make a stand. 

“We are also lucky in Hertsmere that we have diverse and happy communities where the majority of people are tolerant of others and their beliefs. The strongest communities are those that celebrate differences and where there is respect for all.”

The parade will start at 6pm from the area outside WHSmith in the shopping park.

While the parade takes place there will be a rolling roadblock along the stretch of the route in Shenley Road from Starbucks in the direction towards Tesco and the Civic Offices.

If you would like to take part in the parade or obtain tickets for the ceremony please call the Mayor’s secretary on 020 8207 7477.