As we approach July 29th, 2025, we know people have questions about how to remember everyone directly affected by the events of last summer.
Your compassion has been a source of comfort to all affected through their darkest days. The shared grief, countless acts of kindness and especially the commitment to honouring the memory of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie have meant more than words can express.
This period is incredibly hard for the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie and all of those children and adults injured or who suffered lifelong psychological impact of witnessing the attack, and we acknowledge the huge impact on their lives too. We must not forget the local people who rushed to support and to our emergency responders. They all remain always in our thoughts.
It is the solidarity you showed as a community which will again shine bright in the coming weeks, and we want everyone to know there has been an incredible amount of consideration, thought and planning given to how we all mark July 29th, 2025.
In respect of this deeply personal time, we ask that no floral tributes be laid at either Hart Street or at school settings.
Instead we are encouraging people to consider donating to local causes such as The Southport Stronger Together Appeal, Elsie’s Story, Bebe’s Hive, Hope’s Help, Alice’s Wonderdance, The Southport Hesketh Round Table and North West Air Ambulance in lieu of floral tributes.
There will also be a three minutes silence at 3pm on Tuesday 29th July 2025, which will be recognised by the Council and other public bodies and we ask everyone to join with us, wherever you may be.
We fully understand that many of us still need to grieve and to mark the day. Our colleagues have been working with faith and community leaders to identify local spaces where you can go, within your neighbourhood, to pay tribute, whether this be to say a prayer, light a candle, speak to someone or quietly reflect in a way that feels right for you.
Flags will also be lowered to half-mast on all public buildings in Sefton and across the Liverpool City Region as neighbouring authorities and partners remember with us.
As always, support remains available to anyone affected by the events of last July and people will be available at the various local reflective spaces to offer help and guidance to anyone who may need it.
You can access support by visiting www.sefton.gov.uk/southporttogether
Let us continue to honour the lives of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie not only through remembrance, but by holding on to the values they embodied – joy, creativity, kindness, and love.
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours faithfully,
Sefton Council