Southport Flower Show's subtle tribute to three killed schoolgirls

Southport Flower Show has revealed subtle tributes across Victoria Park to the three schoolgirls tragically killed in the mass stabbing last month. The iconic show, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, will be opening its gates to the public tomorrow (Thursday, August 15), just two-and-a-half weeks on from the attack that rocked the town.

Alice Da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King were killed in the stabbing that also injured eight other children and two adults during a Taylor Swift dance class at The Hart Space on Hart Street. Since the attack, the town has paid tribute to those killed and injured through a number of vigils as well as floods of flowers, teddies and balloons appearing at the scene and outside The Atkinson on Lord Street.

In photos taken by the ECHO at Victoria Park where the Flower Show is taking place, there are a number of tributes dotted across the park. One sign in a garden said: "On the 29th July, our beautiful seaside town was struck with the grief and shock of losing three little girls, taken far too soon. Please have a moment to reflect. Be kind, love and cherish."

In the garden, where pink flowers in pots were placed on a stone path, three pink birds were spotted on a wooden beam in dedication to Alice, Elsie and Bebe. In another tribute in the park, a sign was spotted which said: "In loving memory of Alice Da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King.

"Thoughts are with the families of these three little angles. Keep dancing in heaven."

Alan Adams, general manager of Southport Flower Show, said there would be subtle references to "Southport Together" throughout the show, with the aim to bring joy, calm and peace to the town in their memory. The show is taking place each day between 10am and 6pm, guests can enjoy endless floral displays, show gardens, a shopping village, cookery demonstrations, live music and entertainment and grab some advice from professionals for their own plants.

Several famous faces will also make appearances including TV presenter Michaela Strachan, CBeebies star Justin Fletcher and Janette Manrara and Aljaž Skorjanec from Strictly Come Dancing.

Celebrity chefs at this year’s show are Jemma Melvin, Matt Tebbutt from Saturday Kitchen, Nisha Katona and TV chefs Simon Rimmer from Sunday Brunch and Phil Vickery of This Morning.

Gardening guests at this year’s show are Carole Baxter and George Anderson from Beechgrove Garden, Adam Frost from BBC Gardeners’ World, David Domoney from Love Your Garden and the Skinny Jean Gardener from Blue Peter.