A spectacular cascade of around 12,000 poppies has transformed a Lancaster landmark into a moving tribute for this year’s Remembrance.
Unveiled on Friday (November 6), the Poppy Fall creates a sea of red from the second-floor balcony of the Ashton Memorial at Williamson Park.
The artwork is flanked by silhouettes of WWI ‘Tommys’ to represent all those who served and sacrificed for their country.
Each poppy has been individually handmade by members of the community including local organisations, schools, charities, uniformed groups, residents and many others.
Alongside the main cascade of red, purple poppies have been added to represent animals who served and died in combat.
The upper part of the Poppy Fall will remain in place until November 11, giving visitors the opportunity to see it for themselves and take a moment of remembrance.
Stuart Bateson plays the Last Post at the unveiling ceremony on Friday morning. Video: Josh Brandwood
On being taken down the display will stored safely for use in future years.
“The poppy fall is a beautiful and moving tribute, made all the more special by the incredible response from our local community," said Councillor Colin Hartley, mayor of Lancaster.
LISTEN to Councillor Colin Hartley
Councillor Colin Hartley, mayor of Lancaster, and the mayoress Elaine Hartley. Photo: Lancaster City Council
“Each of the handmade poppies remembers all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and in honour of all those who have served.
“I hope people will come to Williamson Park over the coming days to see the Poppy Fall for themselves and take a moment to remember all those who have served and sacrificed.”
The Friends of Williamson Park have played a key role in bringing the installation to life, working alongside volunteers to attach thousands of handmade poppies to the display.
Joy Greenwood, from the Friends of Williamson Park, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with this project, which is an inspirational way to pay tribute to those who died in past conflicts.
“The poppy fall looks spectacular and presents a unique opportunity for people to enjoy the peace in our beautiful park.”
At Friday's ceremony there was a list displayed of some of the community groups who helped create the Poppy Fall.
They included June Derham from Lancaster Roses WI, who we spoke to.
June created around 100 of the poppies herself.
LISTEN to June Derham from Lancaster Roses WI
Lee Cubbage, operations manager at Lancaster City Council and who served for 24 years in the British Army, was a driving force behind the Poppy Fall.
Lee Cubbage
LISTEN to Lee Cubbage
Here are more photos from Friday's unveiling ceremony. Pictures: Beyond Radio
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