Community gathers in quiet remembrance
Southport fell silent on 29 July as residents, councillors and emergency responders paused to mark two years since the attack at a local children’s dance class that claimed three young lives. The three-minute silence held in the town hall gardens brought people together to remember Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who were killed on 29 July 2024 during a Taylor Swift–themed session.
Those present included members of the public, representatives from Sefton Council and officers from Merseyside Police. Many bowed their heads, embraced one another and struggled with visible emotion as survivors and victims were remembered.
Police and council messages of remembrance
Merseyside Police posted a tribute on social media describing the girls as bringing “the light, the kindness and the joy” to those around them. The statement continued:
“Today we pause to remember the light, the kindness and the joy that Alice, Bebe and Elsie brought into this world. We will never forget that day or the impact it has had on those whose lives were taken, their loved ones, those who survived, and those who responded.”
The force also urged people not to leave floral tributes at the site and instead to consider donating to local causes set up in the victims’ names.
Sefton Council wrote in an open letter to the community in the run-up to the anniversary that a number of local spaces had been identified where residents could go to “say a prayer, light a candle, speak to someone or spend a quiet moment reflecting”. The council emphasised that there is no single right way to grieve and encouraged people to use whichever form of reflection felt right for them.
Remembering those injured and the support that followed
Alongside the three children who died, the attack left several others physically injured. Reporting at the time identified eight other children among the injured, as well as the dance teacher, Leanne Lucas, and a businessman, John Hayes. The impact of the event has continued to be felt across families, schools, voluntary groups and emergency services in the town.
In the two years since the attack, a number of memorial and support initiatives have been established. Foundations have been created in memory of the three children with the stated aim of continuing their legacies and supporting other young people:
- Alice's WonderDance Foundation — set up to “spread Alice’s magic” by supporting young dancers;
- Elsie's Story — established to continue Elsie’s legacy by supporting young people and children;
- Bebe’s Hive — launched to support grieving children through creative sessions.
Local reaction and what the anniversary means for Southport
The anniversary has served as a focal point for both remembrance and for highlighting the town’s recovery work. People were encouraged to channel their sympathies into practical support for the families and for the local charities and foundations that have emerged. Organisers and civic leaders emphasised the importance of community spaces for private reflection and for accessing help if needed.
For many in Southport the anniversary is an emotional reminder of lives lost and of the long process of healing that follows such a traumatic event. The public, local organisations and emergency responders remain connected to the families affected and continue to play an active role in commemorative and support activities.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 29 July 2024 | Knife attack at dance class — three children killed, others injured | Southport, Lancashire |
| 29 July 2026 | Three-minute silence and remembrance | Town hall gardens, Southport |
The silence in the town hall gardens was one of a number of small public acts of remembrance across Southport. As the community marks this second anniversary, the emphasis from civic leaders has been on respectful reflection, continued support for grieving families and practical donations to local causes created in memory of Alice, Bebe and Elsie.
