Holocaust survivors, their families and young performers gathered in London on Monday 26th January for Echo Eternal 2026, a performance marking the 80th anniversary of the story of the Windermere Children on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day.

Held at the Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden, the commemorative performance honoured the first group of child Holocaust survivors brought to Britain and reflected on the urgent responsibility of preserving Holocaust truth as living memory passes into history.

Now in its ninth year, Echo Eternal, created by CORE Education Trust, brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to engage with survivor testimony through the arts. This year’s performance was inspired by the life and testimony of Harry Olmer MBE, one of the Windermere Children, who died earlier this month aged 98. His family attended the event, which served as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to Holocaust education.

The performance was delivered by students from CORE Education Trust schools alongside young performers from the Royal Ballet School, the National Youth Music Theatre Company and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

broadcaster and journalist Natasha Kaplinsky OBE was also in attendance. She is well known for her work on Holocaust education, and as a Holocaust commissioner, led on the recording of testimony from 112 survivors and continues to work on how that material is used by schools today.

With fewer survivors now able to share first-hand testimony, the event underscored the importance of accurate Holocaust education in countering antisemitism and strengthening understanding of human rights, democracy and the consequences of hatred.

Adrian Packer CBE, CEO of CORE Education Trust and co-founder of Echo Eternal, said:
“Echo Eternal is rooted in the testimony of Holocaust survivors. With fewer and fewer still alive, it is vital that their experiences continue to be heard and understood, particularly by young people. Echo Eternal brings together people of different backgrounds and generations to remember, reflect, and ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. It is a truly moving experience. This year Harry Olmer MBE graciously gave us permission to focus on his story and it is a sad and poignant irony that this year’s event was the first without him in attendance.”