SWINDON is to mark Holo-caust Memorial Day with art, dance and solemn ceremony.

The day is marked annually nationwide on January 27 the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945.

It marks the Holocaust and other human rights tragedies and aims to raise awareness of the issues, especially among younger people.

This year's theme is: "From the Holocaust to Rwanda: Lessons Learned, Lessons Still to Learn."

The main commemorative event in Swindon will be at the Arts Centre in Devizes Road.

Pupils from Commonweal School, Oaktree Nursery and Primary School, Abbey Meads Community School and the Swindon Creative Education Project will be working with local artists, Swindon Dance and Cre8 to produce pieces on the theme of the Holocaust.

There will be an exhibition of poetry and visual arts in the Arts Centre Gallery, accompanied by music from the New College Choir and GCSE music compositions from Common-weal.

At 1pm, the Swindon mayor Derek Benfield will lead the commemorative speeches in the auditorium.

This will be followed by a specially-prepared film.

Coun Benfield said: "The day will not only commemorate the Holocaust, but will act as a reminder of other human rights tragedies, past and present."

The performances and media work will be shown again at North Swindon Library between 7pm and 8pm. Further details are available from the council on 01793 463000.