400 outdoor ad sites across the UK are lighting up to mark Holocaust Memorial Day
The 6 million candles represent the number of Jewish people murdered during the second world war.
Today (January 27) marks Holocaust Memorial Day, a time to remember the Jewish people who brutally lost their lives under Nazi persecution during the second world war.
To commemorate the 6 million people who were murdered, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has teamed up with indie London agency St Luke’s to light up 400 outdoor advertising sites with candles.
The lit candles are being displayed for a 10-minute vigil, which anyone can join, either in person or online.
The sites include Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Towers, Manchester Arndale, the Edinburgh Arch, major London train stations – and a complete takeover of London’s Piccadilly Lights. All the ad space has been donated by Global, Clear Channel, National Rail, Ocean Outdoors and JCDecaux. St Luke’s work for the Trust is also pro bono.
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“At 8pm, people across the UK will light a candle in their homes while iconic landmarks light up purple in a powerful moment of collective remembrance of those murdered for who they were. The theme of this year’s commemorations, the Fragility of Freedom, presents an opportunity to reflect on the freedoms that we hold dear, and ways that we can challenge prejudice today,” said Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive officer at the Holocaust Memorial Day.
“In the face of rising antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred, it is more important than ever that we come together to create a world free from identity-based persecution. We are immensely grateful to every landmark that is taking part, as well as our partners at St Luke’s, Global, Clear Channel, National Rail, Ocean Outdoor and JCDecaux, for encouraging people to light the darkness.”
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St Luke’s worked with renowned CGI artist Richard Green on the project, which also includes a 90-second social film.
“The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has worked tirelessly over the last 23 years to shine a light on the darkness of genocide,” added Rich Denney, joint chief creative officer at St Luke’s.
“We are proud to play our part alongside our incredible media partners in commemorating the six million lives lost in the Jewish Holocaust, in this touching and important digital vigil.”