Southend Pier to Be Lined with Tens of Thousands of Handmade Poppies

Southend-on-Sea Council confirm that the city’s award-winning pier will soon become the centrepiece of a major ‘yarnbomb’ tribute this November.

Thousands of handmade poppies will line the full 1.33-mile length of the iconic structure in the run up to Remembrance Day.

The display, called Poppies on the Pier, will run from 5 to 16 November 2025, transforming the world’s longest pleasure pier into a memorial to those who served and sacrificed.

According to ‘Southend Pier & Railway’ on Facebook, more than 8,700 poppies have been donated so far (as of July 2025).

Photo: Southend-on-Sea Council

Remembrance Day, marked every year on 11 November, is a national day of reflection to honour the members of the armed forces who lost their lives in the line of duty.

It originated after the First World War, with the date chosen to coincide with the signing of the Armistice in 1918, which ended fighting on the Western Front.

This November marks the 107th anniversary of the Armistice, and communities across the UK will once again pause to remember the fallen through ceremonies, services, and the symbolic wearing of red poppies.

Southend-on-Sea Council says the ‘Poppies on the Pier’ project is open to everyone – whether they live locally or further afield – with every handmade poppy donated helping to honour those lost in conflict while bringing people together through creativity.

The tribute will culminate in a large-scale installation at the pier’s selfie signpost, providing a dedicated space for remembrance and reflection, as well as celebrating Southend’s important role as HMS Leigh during the Second World War.

Councillor 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."

Writing on Facebook, someone said: “I am on my second one, loved the fact I went into my local craft shop to get wool and knitting needles and they had run out of 4mm needles apparently people are buying them to make poppies for the pier.”

Another person added: “Lovely idea, I am on my third one, can’t wait to see it!”

The council says crafters of all abilities can take part by knitting or crocheting red poppies, with even a single contribution making a difference.

Those unable to craft poppies can still get involved by making green yarn chains or volunteering to help with installation in early November.

If you're not local you can post your poppies to: Southend Pier & Railway, Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 1EE.

If you're local, you can drop off your poppies at a number of venues around Southend, including:

• Southend Pier & Railway, Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 1EE

• Any Southend Library branch:

  • Leigh Library, Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2DA

  • Kent Elms Library, 1 Rayleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 5UU

  • Westcliff Library, 649 London Road, Westcliff, Essex, SS0 9PD

  • The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend, Essex, SS1 1NS

  • Southchurch Library, 221 Lifstan Way, Southend, Essex, SS1 2XG

  • Shoeburyness Library, Delaware Road, Southend, Essex, SS3 9NS

• Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Ave, Southend, SS2 6EX

• Prittlewell Priory Visitor Centre, Victoria Ave, Southend SS2 6NB

• The Haven Community Hub, 138-140 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, Essex, SS0 7LW

• Westcliff Wools, 197 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, Essex, SS0 7EL

• Crafty's, 82 West Road, Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9DS

• Lipleys, 164 Long Road, Canvey Island, SS8 0JP

• Joanna's Cafe, 90 Bridgwater Drive, Westcliff, SS0 0DH

• Corringham Fire Station, Fobbing Road, Corringham, Essex, SS17 9BN

The deadline for poppy contributions is Friday 26 September 2025.

Local museums, galleries, and cultural organisations are also backing the initiative, helping to create further opportunities for community involvement and storytelling.

Free knitting and crochet patterns, creative inspiration, and full details on how to donate are available via Visit Southend.

If you have any questions regarding donating, please visit this LINK.

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