10,000 Knitted Poppies Displayed in Southport Ahead of Remembrance Day

A display comprising 10,000 knitted poppies has been unveiled in a seaside town in advance of Remembrance Day. Southport town centre is now adorned with a vibrant poppy drape, which was meticulously crafted over several months by volunteers from the Southport Hookers group. Suzanne Urquhart, the group’s founder, commented that the display demonstrates “what a fabulous community spirit we have here in Southport”. This installation, measuring 12m (39ft) in length and 2m (6.5ft) in width, was revealed at Remembrance Gardens on Lord Street. The yarn bombing collective, working in close collaboration with the Southport Royal British Legion, created the display to honour those who lost their lives in war, with purple poppies specifically honouring the many animals that also perished in conflict. Additionally, they produced crochet poppies to encircle the planters within the gardens, alongside post-box toppers featuring Remembrance themes. The Southport Hookers group, established just over a year ago, is recognized for its crochet post-box topper creations. Ms Urquhart stated that the group was overwhelmed by the knitted poppy donations for the drape. She remarked, “We are really pleased with how it has turned out,” adding, “What a fabulous community spirit we have here in Southport.“Each poppy has been lovingly made and are all different which we think adds to the beautiful display”. Major Nick McEntee, Chair of the Southport Royal British Legion, extended his thanks to the group for the drape, which he said appeared as though it was cascading from the sky.