Poppies On The Pier - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Poppies On The Pier – SOUTHEND Pier will be lined with thousands of handmade poppies for Remembrance Day this year.

Poppies On The Pier - SOUTHEND Pier will be lined with thousands of handmade poppies for Remembrance Day this year.

SOUTHEND Pier will be lined with thousands of handmade poppies for Remembrance Day this year.

The seafront’s iconic structure will be the centrepiece of a ‘yarnbomb’ tribute, when thousands of knitted and crocheted red poppies are installed along the pier’s entire 1.33-mile stretch.

The poppies will be on view at the Pier between 5 and 16 November 2025.

The display will culminate in an installation at the pier’s selfie signpost, creating a space for remembrance, contemplation, and celebration of Southend’s heritage, including its historic role as HMS Leigh during the Second World War.

Coun Matt Dent, cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said: “This is a wonderful idea from our Visit Southend team and will help bring our community together to create something truly memorable, while instilling a sense of civic pride.

“As well as being a poignant tribute, I expect the display will give a welcome boost to tourism and visitor numbers on the pier during the quieter off-peak season, and reinforce Southend’s reputation as a creative, community-focused city that proudly supports those who serve, and remembers and honours the fallen.”

The initiative is being supported by local museums, galleries and cultural partners, offering further opportunities for participation, storytelling and remembrance.

Crafters of all skill levels are encouraged to get involved by knitting or crocheting red poppies.

Those who can’t knit or crochet can take part by creating green yarn chains to link the poppies or volunteering to help with installation in early November.

Donation Points for knitted poppies to be included are: Southend Pier & Railway, all Southend Library branches, Southend Civic Centre, Westcliff Wools, and Corringham Fire Station.

The deadline for poppy donations is Friday 26 September 2025.

For free knitting and crochet patterns, design inspiration, and full details on how and where to donate, visit the website: https://www.southendpier.co.uk/poppies

Picture: Pier lined with knitted poppies for Remembrance.

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