Anger as Crocheted Spitfire Removed for Christmas Tree
The stunning life-size crocheted Spitfire, created over eight months to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is being dismantled today from outside Southport Town Hall despite local outrage. The aircraft model must be taken down to make room for a Christmas tree ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
Visitors have expressed frustration, questioning why the tribute couldn't stay up for just two more days, especially since Southport's annual Christmas spectacular does not begin until November 15.
Creation and Significance of the Spitfire
The fuselage of this artwork honors 145 Polish fighter pilots who served with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. It was built by Bootle’s Men in Sheds Association alongside Polish community groups and then covered with exquisitely crocheted panels crafted by Southport Hookers, a local yarn-bombing collective. The installation was unveiled last month.
Public Response and Memorial Purpose
Since its unveiling, hundreds of visitors have come daily to admire the Spitfire and to pay respects to 12 Polish wartime pilots from nearby RAF Woodvale who lost their lives defending Britain.
Event Scheduling and Organizational Decisions
The site also serves as the centerpiece for Southport's Christmas events, and organizers had anticipated that the model would only be displayed for about two and a half weeks. The Royal British Legion, which coordinated the project, emphasizes that their primary focus during Remembrance Sunday is the formal civic commemoration at Southport’s prominent war memorial.
Visitors questioned why the Spitfire couldn’t remain for just two more days, given the Christmas spectacular starts November 15.
The Royal British Legion highlighted that the Remembrance Sunday focus is the annual civic commemoration at the war memorial.
Author’s summary: The crocheted Spitfire, created as a tribute to Polish WWII pilots, sparked local protests as it was removed early to prepare for Southport’s Christmas tree and festivities.