Oxford is set to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day with a ceremony at the town hall.

The annual event allows attendees to reflect on the Holocaust, Nazi persecution, and subsequent genocides in countries like Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

Set for 11am on January 26, in the assembly room, the service is open to citizens of every faith or none.

Historian and doctoral researcher, Barnabas Balint, will be reflecting on this year's theme, 'Fragility of Freedom', and the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.

Mr Barnabas has previously aided the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust's youth forum and has been involved in the Holocaust Educational Trust's regional ambassador programme.

The congregation can expect to hear video testimonies from survivors of the Holocaust and the Rwandan Genocide.

The service will also provide a space for prayers and reflections from Oxford's faith leaders and a poetry recital by Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East.

Councillor Lubna Arshad, the Lord Mayor of Oxford, said: "Holocaust Memorial Day is an occasion to remember the horrors of the Holocaust and the genocides that have taken place across the world and, in doing so, be reminded that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, not only in defending human rights but collectively standing against injustice.

"We must be guided by the lessons of the past and build a future founded on respect, understanding, and the steadfast commitment to preserving and protecting our freedom to live, worship, work and love freely."