Time to Wave Goodbye to The Poppies

The day will begin at 11am with a walk hosted by local photographer Peter Bolton. The Shoebury Garrison, A Walk Through the History will give attendees the opportunity to take part in a guided tour highlighting the notable historic military features of The Garrison and the surrounding area. Peter has been hosting photography walks since the sculpture was unveiled, offering people the opportunity to photograph the outstanding beauty of Gunners Park and Shoebury Old Ranges.

This will be followed by hourly performances from 3pm – 5pm by the wonderfully talented Jubilant Productions. They will be performing ‘Merry It Was To Laugh Here’ a selection of poems and poetry readings from the trenches. Jubilant Productions have performed regularly at Poppies: Wave during the sculpture’s time at Barge Pier.  

From 7pm up until 7.40pm, local musician Roger Humphrey and members of Southend Choral Society, Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs and Rayleigh Brass will be performing ‘Never Forget’, composed by Roger Humphrey in 2016 to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.  

Each evening at 7pm since 12 April, a local musician has performed The Last Post’, in front of Wave, attracting a wide range of visitors. Closing the day’s events, a finale performance will be played by all musicians that have performed since the sculpture arrived.

Poppies: Wave has so far been seen by over 90,000 visitors at Barge Pier. 

Cllr Ann Holland, Executive Councillor for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, said: “When we were first made aware of Shoeburyness being considered to host Poppies: Wave, we knew we had to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity with both hands.

“Many local people were unaware where Barge Pier was, let alone the tremendous military history Barge Pier and the surrounding Garrison has. Hosting the sculpture in such a remote location, and finishing with the visitor numbers we have, is a true reflection of how important the poppies are to not only Southend, but to the United Kingdom as a whole.  

“We have seen an increase in visitor numbers compared to this time last year, and Poppies: Wave has played a huge part in this. We have welcomed visitors from all over the country, making them feel at home in our wonderful town.”

Poppies: Wave and Weeping Window are being presented across the UK by 14-18 NOW; the sculptures, which together total over 10,000 poppies, have been saved for the nation by the Backstage Trust and the Clore Duffield Foundation.