LISTEN: Southport looks for hope after a summer of tragedy

In July, Southport became the focus of the world's attention as three young girls were killed in a knife attack, but how has the community come back from that moment and how have they come together after such darkness?

In our new documentary, the people of Southport reflect on a summer of devastation as they remember the girls and the outpouring of grief that drew the town together.

"It's about showing people kindness and recognising that we have all been through something traumatic"

The small seaside resort in the North West of England; known for its arcades, sand dunes and Victorian architecture, was thrust into the world's gaze on 29th July 2024 when a Taylor Swift themed dance class was targeted.

Southport Attack: A Town Rebuilding documentary

In our exclusive documentary, the people of Southport have come together to look back at their darkest day, and look for hope in their community:

Six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar lost their lives in the attack, while many more suffered physical and psychological injuries.

The shock and heartbreak at such a senseless loss prompted an extraordinary show of togetherness from the local community as they, and indeed the rest of the country, tried to support the families at the heart of this tragedy.

READ: Southport mourns one month on from knife attack

Community response to Southport Attacks

Reflecting on the summer, Rev. Ben Dyer from Christchurch Southport told us the town as a whole needs time and space to heal: "Everyone is walking on a different journey with this. For me - it's about showing people kindness and recognising that we have all been through something traumatic, in varying degrees.

"We need to be kind to each other and allow people space to express what they need to express, grieve when they need to grieve and remember when they need to remember.

"We need to be patient with people rather than trying to crack on with life as normal. For Southport, life won't be the same again but that doesn't mean we don't have hope and that doesn't mean there won't be life in this town or happiness in this town. But it does mean this town is changed.

"Together we need to work through what the new identity of Southport looks like, remembering those who are lost and remembering the trauma we've faced. But looking forward to a future of Southport being warm and cuddly, and bright and full of hope and full of life."

Southport Attacks documentary recognises the community spirit

You can listen to our documentary about how the community responded, and the touching acts of kindness on display in the days and weeks that followed - despite efforts to stir up hatred and division when riots broke out in the street.

Southport Attack: A Town Rebuilding is available here.

Thank you to our Southport based contributors: Reverend Ben Dyer, Sarah McEntee, Paul Dunbavin and Cllr Greg Myers.

Written and produced by Victoria Glover for Jazz FM.

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