80 Candles for 80 Years 

The ‘80 Candles for 80 Years’ project has involved 80 communities and organisations across the UK who have created unique candleholders, each one inspired by the life story of Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, and other individuals targeted by the Nazi regime. The result is a moving and beautiful collection that has united communities in a collective act of remembrance, honouring the victims and standing as a beacon of hope for the future. 

The participating organisations come from a diverse cross-section of society, including educational institutions, prisons, the public sector, faith and interfaith groups, local authorities, inclusive communities, charities, museums and heritage organisations.

A key aim of the project is to carry forward the legacy of survivors and those who were murdered, while challenging those who distort or deny the Holocaust and who discriminate against or persecute others today. To ensure the project’s lasting impact, each community was encouraged to make a ‘Take Action Commitment’, which included actions to support marginalised communities and raise awareness of prejudice. 

HMDT’s Chief Executive, Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, says:

“It’s clear from the artworks that profound learning and powerful conversations took place about the experiences of the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, and the persecution of other groups targeted by the Nazis.  This exhibition will not only deepen understanding of this period of history but also inspire everyone to speak out against the hate and bigotry that can lead to such devastating consequences”. 

 The exhibition will be visiting locations across the UK until Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January 2026, starting at JW3 in London followed by Sunderland, Worcester, Plymouth, Manchester and Sheffield. More dates and venues will be added throughout the year.  Find out more at 80candles.com