MORE than 5,000 visitors turned out to say goodbye to a sculpture commemorating the First World War.

As Poppies: Wave moved onto the next stop on a national tour, veterans, volunteers, musicians, choirs, performers, local military groups and local dignitaries all bid farewell to the iconic sculpture.

The past ten weeks have seen a total of nearly 107,000 visitors from across the country, and from other countries across the world including Australia, America and Hong Kong, come together to pay tribute to the service men and women who lost their lives in World War One.

More than 190 local people came together to volunteer 4,000 hours of their spare time, to meet, greet and inform visitors during their time at Poppies: Wave at Barge Pier, in Gunners Park, Shoebury.

Members from 16 different bands and orchestras also volunteered their time to play The Last Post every evening since April 12 - come rain or shine.

This poignant performance was widely supported by local visitors, who often came out in huge numbers to enjoy this remarkable piece of military music.

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy in Southend, said: “Although it will be sad to see them leave, Poppies: Wave has brought together the local community and given visitors the opportunity to see the stunning sculpture locally.

“Being able to celebrate not only the poppies, but all the volunteers, musicians and performers in a single day isn’t an easy task, but I am glad it had such a good turnout. This would not have been possible without them.”

Praising the Wave Makers, Mrs Holland added: “Each and every one of the volunteers pulled together to make sure every individual person that came to see the sculpture since April 12 has had a thoroughly welcoming and thought provoking experience.

“The musicians who have performed ‘The Last Post’ so beautifully each night deserve a lot of recognition. Some evenings they had to perform in some really difficult weather conditions, yet they always put on a brave face to ensure all the visitors had something to take away with them.”

Mrs Holland thanked all those who had helped to make the installation such a success.

She said “My thanks also extend to all the other groups, organisations and individuals that have given their time to help celebrate and commemorate all those who risked all and, in many cases, lost their lives in service to their country during WW1.”