Stunning 12,000-poppy cascade transforms Lancaster landmark

3
Skip to next photo
1/1
Show caption
1/1
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A spectacular cascade of around 12,000 handmade poppies has transformed one of Lancaster's best-known landmarks ahead of Remembrance Day.

The Poppy Fall was unveiled at the Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park on Friday, November 6, creating a sea of red flowing from the building's second-floor balcony.

The installation is flanked by silhouettes of First World War 'Tommys' in tribute to those who served and sacrificed for their country.

Once taken down, the display will be stored safely so it can be used again in future years (Image: Lancaster City Council)

Each poppy has been individually handmade, with local organisations, schools, charities, uniformed groups and residents among those contributing to the display.

Purple poppies have also been incorporated into the installation to commemorate animals that served and died in conflicts.

The upper part of the Poppy Fall will remain in place until November 11, giving people the opportunity to visit the memorial and take a moment to remember the fallen.

  • Follow the Lancashire Telegraph's Lancaster and Morecambe Facebook page here

Once taken down, the display will be stored safely so it can be used again in future years.

The Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Colin Hartley, said: "The poppy fall is a beautiful and moving tribute, made all the more special by the incredible response from our local community.

"Each of the handmade poppies remembers all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and in honour of all those who have served.

"I hope people will come to Williamson Park over the coming days to see the Poppy Fall for themselves and take a moment to remember all those who have served and sacrificed."

Mayor and Mayoress of Lancaster, Colin and Elaine HartleyMayor and Mayoress of Lancaster, Councillor Colin Hartley and Elaine Hartley (Image: Lancaster City Council)

The Friends of Williamson Park also played a key role in bringing the installation to life, working alongside volunteers to attach thousands of handmade poppies to the display.

Joy Greenwood, from the Friends of Williamson Park, said: "We are delighted to have been involved with this project, which is an inspirational way to pay tribute to those who died in past conflicts.

"The poppy fall looks spectacular and presents a unique opportunity for people to enjoy the peace in our beautiful park."

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos