Southend Businesses Bloom with Poppy Artwork in Honour of Remembrance Sunday

November 7, 2025

Local artist creates a trail of remembrance across Southend city centre businesses.

Southend has a poignant new look this November, as windows across the city centre have been decorated with beautiful poppy artwork in commemoration of Remembrance Sunday.

The artwork, completed on Wednesday 5th November, was commissioned by Southend City BID and illustrated by CHALK of the TOWN. Local businesses volunteered their windows as canvasses, creating a moving trail of remembrance for residents and visitors to follow. Southend City BID Manager, Suzanne Gloyne, said:

“We wanted to do something simple yet beautiful ahead of Remembrance Day to honour all those who have served to protect our freedoms and the many that have lost their lives doing so. Carrie, from CHALK of the TOWN, previously created our VE Day Trail artwork, and it felt right to invite her back for this piece.

We’re proud of how this complements the incredible community ‘Poppies on the Pier’ project, which has turned our world famous pier into a stunning installation of remembrance thanks to the people of Southend and crafters from further afield!”

The commemorative poppy artwork can be seen at the following businesses:

Aquablue Design, Southchurch Road

Corner House Café, Southchurch Road

Maxwells, Queens Road

Bike Base, Queens Road

South Essex College, Luker Road

Kings and Queens, High Street

The Dickens, Station Approach

Hays Travel, High Street

The Terrace Bar and Restaurant, Richmond Avenue

Barnardos, High Street

Subway, Heygate Avenue

The Royal Hotel, High Street

The artwork will remain on display until the 12th November, offering the community a chance to pause, reflect, and remember while out in the city.