Last chance to see iconic Poppies in Liverpool

There is just over one week to go for people to see the beautiful ceramic Poppies in Liverpool.

The Poppies: Weeping Window display had already attracted 301,500 people by the end of 2015, and organisers are expecting thousands more to head to St George’s Hall to see the artwork which encourages people to remember those who have lost their lives during conflict.

The final time to see the Poppies in the city will be up to 5pm on Sunday 17 January, and on this day there will be a short musical accompaniment from the Liverpool Welsh Choral Union at 2pm featuring songs such as Abide With Me. There will also be a poignant close to the art installation as a bugler from the Band of the Duke of Lancaster’s performs the Last Post at around 4.45pm. Throughout, a standard bearer from the Liverpool Pals Memorial Committee will be present in full period uniform.

Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “These Poppies will have been part of the city’s fabric for 72 days and the reaction to the stunning work has been overwhelming to say the least.

“We bid to host the Poppies six months ago as St George’s Hall would be the perfect venue for the installation with its World War One connections, and as with all our events, we knew that as usual, the people of Liverpool would come out in their thousands to show support for the thought-provoking piece of work.

“But we didn’t expect the response we’ve had, and it makes me massively proud to know so many people have taken the time to visit the Poppies.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the Poppy Ambassadors who gave up their time and, despite the wind and rain, gave a warm welcome to visitors being constantly on hand to answer any questions or queries. Their help was invaluable and they were true ambassadors.”

Weeping Window was part of the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red which was showcased at HM Tower of London in 2014. It was in Liverpool as part of a UK wide tour of the poppies organised by 14-18 NOW, giving people across the UK the chance to experience the impact of the ceramic poppy sculptures in a range of places with particular First World War resonance.

The Black Watch Museum in Perth will be the next venue to host the Weeping Window.

For the latest information visit www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/poppies, follow @culturelpool on Twitter, or Like Culture Liverpool on Facebook.