Public urged to support Southport businesses in the wake of knife attack and riot

Businesses in Southport are reporting a noticeable decline in tourism in the wake of a riot, which followed the murders of three young girls at a dance class in the town last month.

Bebe King, aged six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine, were killed in a knife attack on 29th July 2024. It prompted a series of protests and riots across the country.

Now, locals in Southport say it's been unusually quiet during what is normally its busiest time of the year. Norman Wallis, CEO of Southport Pleasureland, is urging people to rally around in support of the town's shops, cafes and tourist attractions.

He said: "This terrible situation has obviously made people wonder about coming to Southport and it's had a major impact on the resort itself. Southport is a very safe place to live, to work and to visit. Everyone is welcome and should feel safe to come.

"Our life blood is people and we need people as a hospitality industry. It's possible that we'll see resort failure unless people work together, support Southport and come to see us. The whole town has been affected by this absolutely terrible isolated incident.

"It's disheartening when it's the middle of August and there are very few visitors to the town, but hopefully that will change as people realise that it is a very safe place. Next week we've got the flower show, pretty soon we've got the fireworks championships so there's lots going on in Southport."

The amusement park has also revealed plans to host a fundraiser on 1st September 2024 to raise an ambitious £1m in aid of the local hospitals and the North West Air Ambulance, which played such vital roles in the aftermath of the attack.

Norman continued: "On 1st September we're running a fundraiser to try and find something positive that we can do after this terrible tragedy. It will be a day of music, entertainment and fun activities, and it’s intended to be a safe place for the community to come together and start to heal, whilst raising essential funds for local hospitals in the region and North West Air Ambulance."

Tickets for the event are priced at £15pp, with children under 90cm free. For this, guests gain access to Pleasureland, and get unlimited access to the rides and attractions all day, as well as entertainment, music, craft stalls, and more.

Tickets can now be purchased via the Pleasureland Ticket booking system and all funds will be donated to local hospitals and North West Air Ambulance.

In addition to the main event on 1st September, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support the aim of raising £1M.