Southend-on-Sea City Council has confirmed it will donate £10,000 to the Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal following the hugely successful Poppies on the Pier installation.
This contribution is in addition to the £9,573.97 raised directly by the RBL through the event, bringing the total raised for the Poppy Appeal to over £19,500.
Between 5 and 23 November, Poppies on the Pier welcomed 33,681 visitors who came to experience the striking display of more than 110,000 knitted and crocheted poppies adorning the world's longest pleasure pier. Created with the help of over 1,000 volunteers, the installation captured national and international attention and highlighted Southend's wartime role as HMS Leigh.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "Our intention was always to make a donation from the profits of the Poppies on the Pier event. But until all the income and costs had been validated, it was difficult for us to commit to a specific figure.
"However, using preliminary figures, we're delighted that the event has been successful enough for us to more than match the donations that the RBL took through the event.
"This event was a fitting tribute, along with the statue at the end of the Pier, to all those brave people from Southend who lost their lives serving their country. I would also like to personally thank all those staff, especially the council's Culture and Tourism Team who came up with the idea, and the huge number of volunteers who helped to deliver this incredible event."
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music, and Tourism said: "Our partnership with the RBL has been positive throughout the whole process, and we're delighted to have helped them raise almost £20k including our donation.
"Tens of thousands of visitors came to see the display, and it was incredibly moving for everyone involved and was bigger than we ever expected it to be. The event also highlighted why we must keep investing in Southend Pier - maintaining it for future generations and honouring its unique military heritage."
Laura Gibbs, Regional Poppy Appeal Manager, added: "We are extremely grateful for the significant donation from Southend-on-Sea City Council and for the opportunity to be part of such a moving and memorable project. The support shown throughout the event will make a real difference to the Armed Forces community."
The council is exploring opportunities to display and preserve the thousands of poppies contributed by members of the public.