This week is your last chance to enjoy the incredible life-size Spitfire in the Town Hall Gardens in Southport!
This remarkable artwork has been created by volunteers from the Southport Hookers, working together with other groups including the Royal British Legion and Merseyside Polonia.
The Spitfire took several months to create. It bears D-Day markings (black and white stripes) and a Polish emblem on the fuselage, to pay tribute to the courageous Polish aircrew who were based at RAF Woodvale in Southport during World War II to defend our area against German bombers.
The Spitfire marks 80 years since the end of World War II.
It was installed in the Town Hall Gardens on 15th October and will be here until this Friday (7th November 2025) – don’t miss your opportunity to see it while you can!
If you do, we would love to see your pictures in our Stand Up For Southport Facebook group.
Next week it’s time to get excited about Christmas!
The Town Hall Gardens will host the ‘Southport Christmas Spectacular’ celebration on Saturday 15th November 2025, with a huge kids party and non-stop entertainment throughout the day.
This free festive event, organised by Southport BID, will provide a packed programme of festive activities to open the Christmas calendar in Southport in style!
Visitors can enjoy a huge kids Christmas party in the Town Hall Gardens on Lord Street between 11am and 4pm including a stage show with appearances from famous children’s TV characters, dance schools, and local performers.
Read More: Southport Christmas Spectacular invites families to enjoy the ultimate festive party
Following the conclusion of the live acts, don’t miss the launch of a brand-new interactive music show on the LED Christmas tree in the Town Hall Gardens which will animate in colour to music.
A Southport Royal British Legion spokesperson said:
“Southport’s incredible crocheted Polish Spitfire has captured the hearts of the town over the last couple of weeks, a remarkable gift from The Royal British Legion Community Engagement in the North West, created in collaboration with the talented Southport Hookers.
“Our branch volunteers have loved supporting its construction, and we have been truly moved by the amazing support and the many heartfelt messages from people, across the world who wanted to see it on display even longer.
“After lots of brilliant meetings with town stakeholders, the Spitfire will come down as planned on Friday 7th November, to allow the town to begin the next stage of preparations for the festive season after Remembrance.
“As part of this regional project, the timing and planning have been coordinated across a wider team, and our branch has been proud to play a supporting role.
“The Spitfire will remain a cherished memory for all who saw it and all those who worked so hard to build it and install it.
“Over the next couple of years, it will head on a journey to visit other towns as part of future projects – but it was born in Southport
“We’ve already started ideas meetings for next year’s display… So what would you like to see in Southport next November?
“Thank you to everyone who has enjoyed and celebrated this unique display with us. Your support and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring and will have put Southport on the map and helped us raise even more funds for the Poppy Appeal this year.”
The Spitfire It took months of planning and more than 2,500 hours of hooking, sewing, and assembling to make.
The Southport Hookers said: “What started as an exciting idea at the beginning of the year has now become a reality — and we couldn’t be more proud!
“Our crochet Submarine Spitfire, created in collaboration with The Royal British Legion Southport, has taken flight (well, almost!) thanks to six incredible months of dedication, creativity, and teamwork. It has taken:
“Over 350+ C2C squares
“More than 2,500 hours of hooking, sewing, and assembling
“Endless cups of tea and teamwork
“All leading up to this incredible moment!
“A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this project possible:
“Royal British Legion Southport – for designing and building the frame, putting it all together, and spending two full days delivering and assembling it at the Town Hall Gardens
“Sefton Council – for allowing the Spitfire to be showcased in the Town Hall Gardens (outside The Atkinson) from 15th October to 7th November 2025
“Merseyside Polonia – for the stunning Roundels and Insignias
“Wool Warehouse – for donating all the grey, black, and white yarn
“Adventure Coast Southport – for giving us the space to bring it all together
“U3A Aughton and Ormskirk – for coming to the rescue with the final 10 grey squares!
“And a very special thank you to all of our amazing hookers, family, and friends who came together in the last week to help us finish the build — you have been absolutely incredible, and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.
“From a spark of imagination to a full-sized crochet Spitfire, this project has been a true labour of love — and we’re beyond delighted to share it with you all.”
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