Southport will welcome HRH The Princess Royal on Friday 29th September 2023 to mark the re-dedication of the town’s War Memorial, which will be 100 years old on 18 November this year.
Her Royal Highness will be attending the event in her capacity as President of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion.
Located in London Square on Lord Street, the War Memorial was unveiled on 18th November 1923 by the Earl of Derby along with local children of the fallen from World War One. The impressive structure comprises an obelisk flanked by two colonnades in the form of Greek temples. Outside the colonnades are public memorial gardens, each containing a Pool of Remembrance and fountains.
One of the largest outside of London, the memorial was designed by the local architects Grayson and Barnish, with the carving executed by Herbert Tyson Smith.
The event will consist of a parade marching from Victoria Park in Southport to the War Memorial where a Drumhead Service will be conducted to mark the re-dedication of the War Memorial.
The re-dedication will be directed by Colonel (Retd) Monsignor Stephen Alker MBE and attended by senior civil dignitaries and senior military figures.
The parade will be led by the Band of the Royal Air Force College and be made up of Armed Forces personnel and Veterans from all three services, as well as Combined Cadet Force cadets from Merchant Taylors School and contingents from all 28 schools in the Southport area.
Event organiser, Major Nick McEntee TD VR REME and Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Southport, said:
“It is a huge honour to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Southport for the re-dedication of the town’s War Memorial which honours the fallen from the First World War through to the present day.
“It means a great deal to the armed forces community and people of the Southport area that she will be here to mark its centenary.”
The parade and rededication will start late morning on Friday 29th September 2023 and conclude early afternoon. Specific timings will be confirmed in due course.
For further information please contact southport.secretary@rbl.community
Reported by Andrew Brown of StandUpForSouthport.
Get Involved:
Children in Sefton Schools are asked to get involved in this special occasion.
Do you have a way with words or a talent for art? We’re looking for creative children who live or go to school in the Sefton Borough to submit an original poem, artwork, or other creative piece that captures what remembrance means to you. From ages 4 – 18, we want to see your work.
The prompt is simple: “To me, remembrance is…” How you choose to explore and express this theme is completely up to you. Use your imagination and share your perspective through poetry, visual art, creative writing, or any other artistic medium. Your work needs to fit within the frame provided on one side.
All entries must be original unpublished works and submitted by the deadline. Work must be delivered to The Atkinson, Lord Street by 5pm on Monday 25 September 2023. Work submitted after that date will not be considered.
This is a great opportunity for budding creatives of school age to showcase their skills and insights. Pieces will be judged on originality, creativity, and how well they portray the theme.
Winners will receive prizes including a £50 voucher for an up-coming performance at The Atkinson. Top selected works will be on display in The Atkinson’s foyer during HRH The Princess Royal’s attendance.
Let your imagination run wild and show us what remembrance means to you. This is a chance to express your creativity, inspiration, and heartfelt emotions through art and writing.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your work recognized. We can’t wait to see the talent and perspectives of young artists and writers in our community. Start brainstorming your ideas today!
As Southport prepares for HRH Princess Anne’s visit on Friday 29 September, the decision has been made to close The Atkinson on that day to ensure maximum safety for all visitors. This means that the galleries, museums, library, cafe, box office & shop will be closed from 10am – 5pm.
The evening performance of China Crisis (8pm start time) will not be affected. Thank you.