THE iconic poppy sculpture which attracted millions of people to the Tower of London in 2014 is coming to Merseyside this weekend.

Weeping Window is a section of the artwork showcased in the capital last year and is a tribute to the fallen in World War One.

The poppies are currently being installed on part of the external façade of St George’s Hall – a location intrinsically linked with the Great War – as part of a UK-wide tour organised by 14-18 Now who are the national organisers of the First World War Centenary Cultural Programme.

When on display in London, the Weeping Window was the cascade of poppies that could be seen pouring out of a high window and in to the moat below and is made up of thousands of ceramic flowers.

It will be available to view from tomorrow, Saturday, until January 2016.

Wirral Globe:
The poppies being installed at St George's Hall. Picture by Craig Manning.

Following a bidding process to host either Weeping Window or Wave which is another part of the poppy sculpture, Liverpool is one of just three locations for 2015.

The others are the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield and Woodhorn Museum in Northumberland.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Liverpool is honoured and privileged to be chosen to host the Weeping Window.

“There is no better location than St George’s Hall, with its intrinsic links to WW1 and the Liverpool PALS and its Cenotaph where people come to pay their respects to the war dead. It is the spiritual heart of the city and a place where Liverpool gathers at important moments in its history, whether for celebration or sorrow.

"I know that people will come from far and wide in huge numbers to see the Weeping Window, particularly around Remembrance Sunday.

“We will be working in partnership with other organisations to run a community education programme focused around the history of WW1 and encourage personal remembrance and reflection.”

Merseytravel has issued transport advice for those planning on visiting the poppies this weekend.

They are advised people to allow extra time for their journey in and out of the city centre as the transport network is expected to busy.

Organisers are also advising people keen to see the art work that access to it on Remembrance Sunday will be extremely limited due to the service taking place on St George’s plateau and the necessary logistics around it.

They are keen visitors take advantage of its 10 week stay in Liverpool up until January 17.

Merseytravel has included some advice on its website:

  • The transport network to and from Liverpool City Centre is expected to be very busy over the weekend of 7-8th November, with the opening of Poppies: Weeping Window and the annual Service of Remembrance. Allow time for your journey.
  • Access to Poppies: Weeping Window will be severely restricted all day on Sunday 8th November as St George’s plateau will be hosting the annual Service of Remembrance.
     
  • There will be plenty of time to get up close to Poppies: Weeping Window. The art work will be on display for ten weeks until 17th January between 10am-6pm every day (except Bank Holidays).
  • The Service of Remembrance attracts thousands of people so if you are attending, allow plenty of time for your journey. To facilitate the Service there will be a number of road closures in and around St George’s Hall, including the closure of Queen Square Bus Station between 09:30am until 12:00pm, with possible disruption until 2:00pm. Buses will still run but will arrive and depart from temporary locations.
  • If you’re coming into Liverpool on the afternoon of Sunday 8th November, be prepared for a busy transport network – Liverpool are playing at home with kick off 4pm.
  • If you’re coming to see Poppies: Weeping Window, St George’s Hall is easily accessible, with Liverpool Lime St station (mainline and Merseyrail services), Queen Square bus station and car parks all within a short walking distance.