On July 29, 2025, Southport commemorated the first anniversary of a tragic knife attack that claimed the lives of three schoolgirls—Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar—during a community workshop.

To honor the victims, a nationwide moment of silence was observed at 3 PM, allowing communities to reflect on the tragedy that deeply affected Southport.

In the wake of the tragedy, a vigil was held, bringing thousands together to honor the victims and support those grieving, showcasing the unity and resilience of the Southport community.

The vigil served as a poignant reminder of community strength and the enduring legacy of joy, kindness, and love associated with the victims.

Victims' families shared harrowing accounts of their children's bravery during the attack, emphasizing the strength and resilience of the survivors.

In their grief, families of the victims have committed to honoring their daughters' legacies by forming charities aimed at promoting positivity and support for others.

Community leaders and political figures have called for justice and a commitment to learning from the mistakes that led to the tragedy, ensuring such violence does not occur again.

The perpetrator, Axel Rudakubana, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 52 years for murdering the girls and attempting to murder eight others.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with the families and the community, recognizing their strength and the need for justice and healing.

The public vigil took place at Southport Town Hall gardens, where tributes including flowers and teddy bears were left in memory of the girls.

Deputy leader of Sefton Council Paulette Lappin reflected on the community's desire to move forward positively despite the tragedy.

Plans are underway for legacy gardens in Southport to serve as a permanent tribute to the victims, emphasizing joy and play for children.