Taunton Library – 80 candles for 80 years – HMD 2026

Activity information

Activity type: Public activity

Organisation name: Somerset Council

Address:
Taunton Library
Paul Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 3XZ
United Kingdom

To mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust selected 80 UK organisations to participate in the “80 candles for 80 years” initiative. Somerset was honoured to be chosen, collaborating with a local artist to create a willow candleholder.

The project aimed to promote ongoing reflection and dialogue about the Holocaust, subsequent genocides, and contemporary suffering. As the candleholder toured Somerset, it became a community craft initiative. Participants created ribbon flowers in colours representing persecuted groups, including Jewish people, Black communities, people with disabilities, Sinti and Roma, Slavic communities, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Freemasons, Trade Unionists, Communists, LGBTQ+ individuals, and victims of genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Sudan, and elsewhere.

Sharing stories, inclusive remembrance and local connections

At each location the candle visited, individuals shared personal stories, some for the first time. These included accounts from descendants of Holocaust survivors and those whose relatives witnessed the camps during World War II, providing a platform for these important, often untold, narratives.

The initiative recognised all groups persecuted under Nazi rule and those affected by Far East conflicts, including Commonwealth soldiers from Africa and Asia. By acknowledging these contributions, the project promoted inclusive remembrance.

The tour also revealed Somerset’s global historical ties, such as connections to Commonwealth soldiers, Nuremberg trial witnesses, and POW rescues from Burma, highlighting the significance of remembrance locally and globally.

Fostering dialogue and continuing the journey

The project has succeeded in establishing a warm and inclusive environment where open conversations can flourish. This welcoming atmosphere encouraged participants to share their personal experiences, helping to build empathy and understanding within the community.

The candleholder continues its journey across Somerset, extending an open invitation to all. Whether by crafting a ribbon flower, sharing a personal or family story, or simply listening to others, everyone is encouraged to take part. Through these collective actions, we are ensuring that the lessons from history are preserved, and that every voice and experience is valued and remembered.

The Candle will be at Taunton library from the 5th January until the 15th January.

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