Crocheted Spitfire Removed to Make Way for Christmas Tree
Despite local outrage, the life-size crocheted Spitfire, which took eight months to create, is being dismantled from outside Southport Town Hall today. The model was made to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Visitors have questioned why it could not remain for two more days, especially since Southport's traditional Christmas spectacular does not begin until November 15.
Tribute to Polish Fighter Pilots
The fuselage of the artwork honors 145 fighter pilots from occupied Poland who served with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. It was built by Bootle’s Men in Sheds Association along with Polish community groups and covered in crocheted panels by local yarn-bombing group Southport Hookers.
The Spitfire was unveiled last month and quickly became a daily attraction, drawing hundreds of visitors who also read memorials for 12 Polish wartime pilots based at nearby RAF Woodvale who died defending Britain.
Seasonal Display and Removal
The location serves as the focal point for Southport’s Christmas celebrations. Organizers had always planned to dismantle the model after just two and a half weeks to prepare for the festive season.
The local Royal British Legion, which coordinated the project, said, "Our focus for Remembrance Sunday is the annual civic commemoration at Southport's imposing war memorial."
This decision, while disappointing to many, reflects the balance between honoring wartime remembrance and maintaining traditional holiday events.
Author's summary: The crocheted Spitfire, a poignant tribute to Polish WWII pilots, was removed early to accommodate Southport’s Christmas tree, sparking local disappointment yet respecting seasonal traditions.