Acclaimed ‘war’ exhibition heads to Welshpool for September

An acclaimed exhibition of knitted wartime scenes, visited and applauded by over half a million people already, heads to Welshpool Town Hall for the entire month of September.

Volunteer knitters from across the UK have created a stunning set of 80 scenes entitled The Longest Yarn 2 – Britain at War, which depicts Britain during wartime using yarn.

It builds on the international success of The Longest Yarn, an exhibition of knitted scenes from D-Day which, following a tour of the UK and USA, is now on display in Normandy.

Comprising 80 panels, and a number of life-size knitted wartime personnel, this incredible exhibition will be at Welshpool Town Hall from September 1-30.

Visitors are welcome to view the intricate work that has gone into the storytelling panels, all created by hundreds of volunteer knitters, some Wales-based, over many, many hours.

Passionate about the Second World War and keeping wartime stories alive, the exhibition’s visit to Welshpool has been organised by Alan Crowe.

Principal organiser of Welshpool’s annual 1940s weekend, Alan is also leading a campaign to raise funds for a lasting memorial to all performers and musicians who did so much to boost morale during WW2, both at home and abroad.

“When I saw that they were looking for venues for the Longest Yarn, I put Welshpool forward never thinking we would be lucky enough to get it,” said Alan. “That was almost four years ago and now the opening of the exhibition in Welshpool Town Hall is just around the corner. Everyone who visits will be wowed by the exhibition and by visiting and donating will also be supporting a range of charities.”

Organiser of both The Longest Yarn and The Longest Yarn 2, Tansy Forster, explained the idea behind The Longest Yarn 2: “A huge number of people came to see the first Longest Yarn exhibition, which was all about D-Day. We couldn’t wait to create a second exhibition - The Longest Yarn 2, which depicts Britain during wartime, and features memories and stories gathered by our volunteer knitters.

“The knitted wartime scenes are informed by guidance from expert historians, but often the knitter has a personal connection with the story they have chosen to portray – sometimes a relative, sometimes a place, which makes this a truly unique, heartfelt and historically important exhibition, made entirely by hand.”

The Longest Yarn 2 exhibition can be seen at Welshpool Town Hall from September 1. Tickets, which should be booked in advance, are free with donations encouraged. Donations will be used by The Longest Yarn to support veterans’ charities, and will also support the Ensa Memorial Appeal.

For more information and to book visit https://www.longestyarnwelshpool.co.uk

School visits are welcome; evening visits by arrangement.