Visitors have less than a week to see the ceramic poppies installation at St George’s Hall, Liverpool.
The ‘Weeping Window’ display had attracted 301,500 people by the end of 2015, and organisers are expecting thousands will visit the World War I-commemorating artwork before 5pm on Sunday.
The Liverpool Welsh Choral Union will be present on Sunday at 2pm to perform a musical concert featuring songs such as ‘Abide With Me’ before a poignant close to the art installation as a bugler from the Band of the Duke of Lancaster’s performs the Last Post.
Assistant Mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, says: “These Poppies will have been part of the city’s fabric for 72 days and the reaction to the stunning work has been overwhelming to say the least.
“We bid to host the Poppies six months ago as St George’s Hall would be the perfect venue for the installation with its World War One connections, and as with all our events, we knew that as usual, the people of Liverpool would come out in their thousands to show support for the thought-provoking piece of work.
“But we didn’t expect the response we’ve had, and it makes me massively proud to know so many people have taken the time to visit the Poppies.”
The ‘Weeping Window’ was part of the installation ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ which was showcased at HM Tower of London in 2014 and remembers those who have lost their lives during conflict.
Cllr Simon adds: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the Poppy Ambassadors who gave up their time and, despite the wind and rain, gave a warm welcome to visitors being constantly on hand to answer any questions or queries. Their help was invaluable and they were true ambassadors.”
