Southport observed a three-minute silence at 3:00 p. m.
on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, marking two years since a fatal attack at a local dance workshop.
The attack on July 29, 2024, at the Hart Space during a Taylor Swift-themed event killed three young girls: six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar.
Eight other children, dance instructor Leanne Lucas, and businessman John Hayes suffered physical injuries.
Community Remembrance
Public buildings across Sefton and Knowsley lowered flags to half-mast. Local authorities asked residents to refrain from leaving floral tributes and instead donate to local charities.
Faith and community leaders designated local venues for quiet reflection, candle lighting, and prayer.
Sefton Council issued an open letter addressing the community.
"As we approach July 29th, 2026, our thoughts remain with the families of Alice, Bebe & Elsie, everyone injured physically and psychologically, their families and their loved ones and all those whose lives were changed that day," the council stated.
The council emphasized ongoing support for victims, families, and first responders.
"We know this will be an incredibly difficult time and many of you will be wondering how best to mark the date," the letter said.
Council leaders acknowledged continuous community backing.
"Your compassion and support continues to be a source of comfort to all affected and unwavering acts of kindness have meant more than words can express," the letter continued.
"This period is incredibly difficult for everyone whose lives were affected by the events of the day, including those who rushed to support and our emergency responders.
They remain always in our thoughts."
Municipal officials arranged neighborhood spaces for individual grieving preferences.
"Our colleagues have been working with faith and community leaders to once again identify local spaces where you can go, within your own neighbourhoods, to say a prayer, light a candle, speak to someone or spend a quiet moment reflecting in whatever way feels right for you," the council stated.
The council reiterated that mental health and guidance professionals remained accessible.
"We fully understand that many of us still need to grieve and to acknowledge the day and there is no right or wrong way to do this," the letter said.
Knowsley Council Leader Cllr Morgan expressed solidarity.
"Today, on the second anniversary of the Southport tragedy, we stand in solidarity with Southport and with all those impacted," Morgan said.
"We remember Alice, Bebe and Elsie, and keep their families, friends and all those whose lives were changed that day in our thoughts."
Victims' Families Establish Charities
In the two years since the tragedy, the parents of all three victims established charitable foundations: Bebe's Hive, Elsie's Story, and Alice's Wonderdance.
These foundations assist local youth and support children navigating bereavement.
The town also initiated plans to regenerate Town Hall gardens outside The Atkinson into an inclusive community space dedicated to the victims' memory.
Michael Weston-King, grandfather of Bebe King and member of the band My Darling Clementine, spoke about a solo album he released on Bebe's birthday, April 4, which included four songs dedicated to her memory.
"When you experience something like that, something so life-changing, it would have been easy to make a dark, miserable and angry record but I really don't think we needed that," Weston-King said.
"Yes, there's some sad songs on there but there is also some uplifting, joyous music and kind of a search for hope and something better to come really."
He described the artistic process as a mixture of grief and forward-looking remembrance. "It's [about] healing as well as heartbreak, that's what I've been saying it is.
It's an optimistic listen as well as a sad one at times."
Performing the songs publicly offered a constructive path to process the tragedy.
"It was incredibly cathartic, not just writing the songs, the recoding of them, but getting out on the road and playing them.
The response has been incredible and, in turn, kind of celebratory of Bebe and her short life."
Bebe's family created Bebe's Hive to offer personalized support to children suffering from loss. "Grief is not one-size-fits-all," the organization stated.
"There is no hierarchy of loss and no set timeline for healing. Bebe's Hive exists because children deserve support that recognises their individuality and honours their lived experience."
The organization explained the symbolism behind the name. "We chose the name Bebe's Hive intentionally.
A hive is a nurturing community – protective, connected and purposeful. Bees work together to build something strong, safe and sustaining."
"Bebe's Hive is a calm, welcoming environment where grief is acknowledged, but does not define the child," the foundation added.
"It is a space rooted in belonging – where creativity opens doors to conversation, confidence and connection, and where children are free to simply be themselves."
Support services and guidance resources for affected residents remain continuously accessible through Sefton Council's online portal.
