Plans revealed for two-year anniversary of Southport attack
A three-minute-long silence will be held next Wednesday
Southport will fall silent next week to mark two years since three girls were killed in an attack on a dance class.
Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died in an attack at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class on the 29th of July 2024.
In an open letter to the people of Southport, Sefton Council is asking people to consider making donations to local causes instead of leaving floral tributes.
"It is the solidarity you continue to show as a community which will again shine bright in the coming weeks and we want everyone to know there has been an incredible amount of consideration, thought and planning given to how we all mark the date of July 29 going forward," the council said.
Silence and reflection spaces planned
A three-minute silence will be held across the town at 3pm to remember those affected, and flags will be lowered to half-mast on all public buildings.
The council said colleagues have been working with faith and community leaders to identify local spaces where people can go, within their own neighbourhoods, to say a prayer, light a candle, speak to someone or spend a quiet moment reflecting.
"We fully understand that many of us still need to grieve and to acknowledge the day and there is no right or wrong way to do this," the council said.
"Whether you choose to attend a reflective space, observe the silence, spend time with loved ones, or simply take a quiet moment to yourself, we encourage everyone to do whatever feels most appropriate to you," it added.
Elsie's Story
Elsie's parents founded Elsie's Story, a charity aiming to bring joy and support to children facing life's toughest challenges through memory-making days, care grants and community-led kindness.
Speaking to us previously, Elsie's mum Jenni Stancombe said: "We started the charity early because it felt right. Elsie wanted to raise money herself, she had a charitable and loving nature. It's helping us to turn some heartbreak into hope and it's bringing some joy to other children off the back of something awful that happened."
Bebe's Hive
Bebe's family launched Bebe's Hive, described as a grief-informed, creative support project offering free sessions using art, music, play and storytelling to help children explore grief safely.
The charity's page says: "Bebe's Hive will offer free sessions using art, music, play, and storytelling to help children explore grief safely and gently. Led by a team of educators, creatives, and wellbeing practitioners - all who knew and loved Bebe. It will be a space full of care and hope."
Alice's Legacy
Alice's dad Sergio has fundraised in his daughter's memory since her death, running marathons to raise money for a new playground at Churchtown Primary School, where Alice and Bebe were both pupils.
Speaking in Liverpool, Sergio said: "Her school was her second home where she spent most of the time, so we're doing the playground in her name for her friends to enjoy it. There will be a stage within the playground because she liked performing, dance and ballet."