National recognition for ‘Poppies on the Pier’ as a powerful tribute to remembrance

June 24, 2026

Southend-on-Sea City Council is proud to celebrate national recognition for its Poppies on the Pier installation, a striking and moving tribute that honoured remembrance and brought the community together.

The installation transformed Southend Pier into a sea of poppies, creating a powerful space for reflection and remembrance. With more than 110,000 handmade poppies sent in from across the globe, the project demonstrated an extraordinary collective effort and captured the imagination of audiences locally and nationally.

Over just a few weeks, the installation welcomed more than 33,000 visitors to the Pier and raised £10,000 for the Royal British Legion, combining commemoration with tangible support for the Armed Forces community. This contribution is in addition to the £9,573.97 raised directly by the RBL through the event, bringing the total raised for the Poppy Appeal to over £19,500.

Widely praised for its impact, Poppies on the Pier highlights how Southend continues to use its iconic spaces to bring people together for moments of shared reflection and pride.

Southend-on-Sea City Council extends its thanks to everyone who contributed poppies, supported the installation, and helped make it such a meaningful tribute.

The Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Cllr Daniel Cowan said:

“I’m incredibly proud that Southend-on-Sea City Council has won its first MJ Award for Communications Campaign of the Year for Poppies on the Pier.

“What started as a beautiful act of remembrance with the Royal British Legion grew into something beyond anything we imagined, capturing hearts across the UK and around the world. This award belongs to an extraordinary team and shows what we can achieve together - something our whole city can be proud of.”

Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said:

“I am incredibly proud of the Culture & Tourism, Southend Pier and council communications teams for their efforts on this, which richly deserve recognition.

“Poppies on the Pier generated 110,000 hand-knitted and crocheted poppies from around the world, attracted over 33,000 visitors, and became a beautiful and moving symbol of Remembrance and Southend-on-Sea’s civic pride.”