An event is set to take place in Chesterfield to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in January and local people are invited to attend.
The event at Chesterfield Library Lecture Theatre is taking place on Tuesday 27 January at 6.30pm and is organised by the Chesterfield Equality and Diversity Forum, supported by Chesterfield Borough Council.
This year, organisers are honoured to welcome Holocaust survivor Peter Summerfield BEM, who will be joining the session remotely, and his grandson, Harry Sassoon.
Peter was six years old when his family fled Nazi Germany in August 1939, just days before the Second World War began. He will share his personal testimony of persecution, escape, and arrival in England. Harry will attend in person to support his grandfather, share images, and help facilitate audience questions.
Guests will also be able to view the 80 Candles Quilt, created to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as a tribute to remembrance and reflection.
Councillor Judy Staton, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a moment for us all to pause and be united in remembering the past, as well as considering how we can work together to shape our future.
“Our event provides an opportunity for local people to remember history and to reflect upon how the Holocaust affected our guest speaker, Holocaust survivor, Peter Summerfield BEM.”
This ticket-only event is open to all and is free of charge, but places are limited. Tickets can be booked online at chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/hwg565 or call 01246 936793. The recommended age for attending the event is 12 years and upwards.
The Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Remembrance is available for people to sign online and in person at the Town Hall. Both books will be open from Monday 12 January to Monday 2 February 2026.
