Folkestone Community gathers at the Holy Trinity Church in the town Photo: Folkestone Town Council
On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, the Folkestone community gathered at Holy Trinity Church to observe Holocaust Memorial Day. Led by Reverend Chris Johnson, the service honoured millions murdered during the Holocaust, Nazi persecution, and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
The commemoration brought together Town Mayor Councillor Lucy McGirr, local dignitaries, and students from Turner Free, Harvey Grammar, Folkestone School for Girls, Brockhill Park, and Goldwyn School.
This year’s theme, “Bridging Generations,” served as a call to action for younger citizens to preserve the fading memories of survivors. Students participated directly by presenting original research, effectively linking historical education with modern advocacy. Mayor McGirr praised these contributions, noting that as the Holocaust recedes into the past, the responsibility for maintaining historical truth shifts to the next generation to prevent the reality of these events from becoming abstract or questioned.
The service concluded with an emphasis on challenging prejudice and confronting genocide denial. By engaging actively with the past, the community aims to build a bridge between memory and hope.