Anger as Crocheted Spitfire Removed for Christmas Tree
A stunning life-size crocheted Spitfire, created to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is being dismantled from outside Southport Town Hall ahead of Remembrance Sunday to make space for a Christmas tree. Despite local protests, the removal is scheduled for today.
The Spitfire, which took eight months to complete, was built by Bootle’s Men in Sheds Association together with Polish community groups. It honors 145 Polish fighter pilots who served with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. The fuselage was covered in panels carefully crocheted by local yarn-bombing group Southport Hookers and was unveiled last month.
Public Reaction and Memorial Significance
Hundreds of visitors have admired the Spitfire daily, often pausing to read memorials for 12 Polish wartime pilots from RAF Woodvale who died defending Britain. Many have questioned why the tribute could not remain for just two more days, especially since Southport’s annual Christmas spectacular does not begin until November 15.
Event Timing and Organisers' Position
The site serves as the centerpiece for Southport’s Christmas celebrations, and organisers had planned from the start for the Spitfire to be displayed for only two and a half weeks. The local Royal British Legion, which coordinated the project, emphasizes that their focus for Remembrance Sunday remains the civic commemoration at Southport's war memorial.
"Our focus for Remembrance Sunday is the annual civic commemoration at Southport's imposing war memorial."
Visitors continue to show respect for the wartime pilots represented by the artwork despite the upcoming change.
Author's Summary
The removal of the cherished Spitfire tribute ahead of Christmas has sparked local anger, highlighting tensions between remembrance and holiday traditions in Southport.