The Longest Yarn II, Britain at War, opens in Peterborough Cathedral this week after a successful month on display in Lichfield Cathedral.
The exhibition brings a powerful and deeply human retelling of the Second World War through 80 intricately created panels of “wool art”, each one metre in length.
Together they tell the story of life in Britain from the declaration of war on 3rd September 1939 through to VE Day on 8th May 1945, the battles fought, and the lives lived at home.
The Longest Yarn II, Britain at War opened in Lichfield on May 1 and saw over 24,000 visitors during its four week display with an overwhelmingly positive response.
On social media, people described the exhibition as “incredibly moving”, “meticulously detailed”, and “far more powerful than expected”.
Many have shared how long they lingered, returning again to different scenes, noticing new details each time and there were comments too from visitors who spoke about personal connections to the stories represented.
The Longest Yarn II, Britain at War opens in Peterborough this week and the Dean, the Very Reverend Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough said:
‘The amazing popularity of The Longest Yarn was a testimony to the creativity and skill of the many extraordinary people involved in its creation, as well as the ways in which it honoured those men and women whose service and sacrifice in time of war it commemorated. We so look forward to welcoming The Longest Yarn II: Britain at War and the many visitors who I’m sure will find encouragement and renewed inspiration from this exhibition.’
Running alongside the Longest Yarn II visitors can also enjoy the ‘Poppy Drops’ – cascades of knitted and crocheted flowers, created by local groups. Every flower within the cascade carries meaning:
- Red poppies for remembrance.
- Blue cornflowers for France.
- White carnations and marguerites for Belgium and the Netherlands.
- Allied flags woven throughout for all the nations who stood together.
- Purple poppies for the animals of war.
- Yellow poppies for the Canary Girls who worked in the munitions factories.
- Forget-me-nots remembering the ordinary German people caught in the tragedy of war.
‘This is not simply a display of flowers, it is an act of remembrance, reconciliation and unity created by many hands and many hearts,’ a spokesperson for the project said.
Ambitious Programming at Peterborough Cathedral
The Longest Yarn II: Britain at War is part of Peterborough Cathedral’s ambitious 2026 events programme – which this week saw the announcement that Titanosaur will remain on display throughout the summer.
The full-scale cast of Patagotitan mayorum, on loan from London’s Natural History Museum, has already welcomed thousands of visitors since arriving at Peterborough Cathedral in Spring.
Stretching approximately 37 metres in length, Titanosaur offers a rare chance to stand beside one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered, set against the backdrop of the cathedral.
Head of Marketing and Communications at Peterborough Cathedral, Paul Stainton said:
‘More than 20,000 people have already stood in awe beneath Titanosaur, and the impact has been felt far beyond the Cathedral walls.
‘We’ve seen visitors travelling from across the country, helping drive footfall into the city centre and supporting local businesses. With Titanosaur now staying for the summer alongside The Longest Yarn II and Travelling Bricks, we’re creating an incredible programme of attractions that offers something for every generation.
‘This is shaping up to be the biggest summer Peterborough Cathedral has ever delivered and one of the most exciting summers the city centre has seen in recent years’.
The Longest Yarn II – from 3 June – entry by donation, and visitors will also be able to see Titanosaur as part of their visit. Tickets here.
