Southport community marks two-year anniversary of fatal dance class attack

On July 29 2024, a violent attack at a Taylor‑Swift‑themed dance class in Southport killed three children—Alice da Silva Aguiar (9), Bebe King (6) and Elsie Dot Stancombe (7)—and injured eight other children, dance teacher Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Two years later, the town will observe a three‑minute silence at 3 pm, organized by Sefton Council and other public bodies, with spaces for prayer, reflection and quiet remembrance.

In memory of the victims, three charitable initiatives have been launched: Alice’s WonderDance Foundation, Elsie’s Story and Bebe’s Hive, all aimed at supporting young dancers and grieving children. A public inquiry led by Axel Rudakubana concluded the attack could have been prevented if agencies had acted.