Southend’s iconic pier is set to bloom with thousands of handcrafted poppies this November, as part of a powerful community tribute marking Remembrance Day.
From 5 to 16 November 2025, Southend Pier – the world’s longest pleasure pier, stretching an impressive 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary – will be transformed into a vibrant visual memorial, blanketed in red poppies made by people from all over the country.
The ‘Poppies on the Pier‘ display is a large-scale yarnbombing project that aims to unite people through creativity and remembrance, offering a unique way for individuals and families to pay their respects to those lost in war and conflict.
Every single knitted or crocheted poppy will play its part in turning the pier into a breathtaking sea of red, leading visitors along its full length to a moving finale at the famous selfie signpost.
At the end of the pier, a dramatic focal installation will provide a quiet space for reflection and celebration of Southend’s proud heritage – including its significant wartime role as HMS Leigh during the Second World War, when the pier served as a key naval control point.
“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,” said Councillor Matt Dent, cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism.
“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.”
The project is open to everyone – whether you’re a Southend local or living further afield, all contributions are warmly welcomed. Experienced crafters, beginners, and even those who’ve never picked up a needle are encouraged to take part. If knitting and crocheting isn’t your thing, you can still get involved by helping to create green yarn chains to link the poppies, or by volunteering for the installation team in early November.
Local museums, galleries and cultural groups are also backing the initiative, planning their own linked events and displays to deepen the storytelling and engagement around Remembrance.
There are free patterns to download and follow from the Royal British Legion below:
Once you’ve made some poppies you can drop off them off at a number of venues around Southend or post them to the pier:
Post to or drop off at: Southend Pier & Railway, Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 1EE
Alternative Drop Off locations:
Don’t forget to include your name and location if you’d like to be listed on the project’s contributors page.
The deadline for sending in poppy contributions is Friday 26 September 2025 – giving crafters plenty of time to get making. For more information and FAQs, visit: www.southendpier.co.uk/poppies
If you make a single poppy or a whole bundle, each stitch will be part of a powerful tribute to remembrance, service, and the community spirit at the heart of Southend.
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