A group of kind-hearted guerrilla artists in Southport has won this year’s prestigious Sefton Arts Award sponsored by Fitton Awards at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards after a year in which they made headlines across the world by creating a lifesize crochet Supermarine Spitfire.
The incredible art installation took the volunteers months to plan and knit before working with the Royal British Legion to install it in the Town Hall Gardens on Lord Street in Southport town centre.
The Southport Hookers have also brought smiles to the faces of thousands of families by continuing to knit their fun and imaginative postbox toppers which they place on postboxes around Southport.
They also created some amazing crochet artwork which featured in and around the Victorian Bandstand at Victoria Park for the Southport Flower Show.
Southport Hookers founder Suzanne Goatcher and fellow volunteers were presented with their Sefton Arts Award by Graham Bowling from Fitton Estates at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards night at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport.
The Southport Hookers said: “We are beyond excited, and still a little bit in shock, to share that the Southport Hookers won the Pride of Sefton Awards – Sefton Arts Award!
“This means so much to all of us. What started as a small, creative, slightly cheeky group has grown into something truly special – full of colour, connection, and community spirit. Every stitch, every laugh, and every moment we’ve shared together has led to this.
“A massive thank you to everyone who has supported us, cheered us on, collaborated with us, or simply stopped to admire our work. This award belongs to all of you too.
“We’re so proud to represent Southport and to keep spreading creativity, and a bit of sparkle, wherever we go.
“Here’s to many more projects, yarn bombs, and unforgettable moments ahead!”
The Southport Hookers unveiled their life-size Supermarine Spitfire – made from crochet – in the Town Hall Gardens in Southport.
They were supported in their endeavours by community groups including Southport Royal British Legion, Merseyside Polonia and others, with the support of Sefton Council, after eight months of careful planning and meticulous work.
The aircraft featured a Polish emblem which appeared on the Spitfire flown by Polish pilots who were based at RAF Woodvale on the edge of Southport during World War Two.
Polish pilots were transferred to defend the skies above the North West in a direct response to the relentless bombing of Liverpool and Bootle during The Blitz period of the war. Several German bombs also fell on Southport during this time.
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on Friday night (24th April 2026).
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns, on one of her final engagements to crown her three busy years as Mayor.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
To submit your nomination for next year’s awards visit: Pride Of Sefton Awards
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
