Two years have passed since the murder of three young girls at a dance class in Southport. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar visited the Hart Space on the morning of July 29, 2024, for what was meant to be a Taylor Swift-themed workshop. The actions of one individual, contributed to by a litany of failings in the years before, led to the deaths of the three girls, injuries to eight others and two adults.
Town falls silent
Today, the town will fall silent as people come together to remember the three girls. Sefton Council has penned an open letter outlining how the town plans to recognise the tragedy. The letter said: "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 has asked there be no floral tributes laid, particularly at Hart Street or at school settings. People are instead encouraged to donate to local causes across Southport in lieu of flowers. A three-minute silence will be held across Southport at 3pm to remember everyone affected.
Community remembrance and regeneration
Flags will be lowered to half-mast on all public buildings in Sefton. Each set of parents have launched charitable foundations through Bebe's Hive, Elsie's Story and Alice's Wonderdance, aiming to give back to the community and support children navigating grief. The town is also set to remember the three girls with the regeneration of the Town Hall gardens outside The Atkinson, aiming to become an inclusive community-focused events space.
The letter added: "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."
