VE Day – Wells Cathedral

Lighting up red, white and blue, commemorative worship, music, bunting and bellringing – all our cathedrals are getting ready to remember, reflect and give thanks to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for peace in our times.

VE DAY 80 – join us in a shared moment of celebration and remembrance.

More VE Day 2025 events here.

New knitting artwork depicting scenes from Britain in wartime goes on show in Wells Cathedral for VE Day 80

The Longest Yarn 2 will go on display in Wells Cathedral this month – featuring 15 panels of knitted and crocheted scenes showing Britain during wartime.

It follows on from The Longest Yarn, an exhibition of knitted scenes from the D-Day Landings which has just finished a successful exhibition in Peterborough Cathedral.

Volunteer knitters from across the UK and France have created 15 panels of knitted and crocheted scenes which will go on display for the first time in England in Wells Cathedral from 29th April 2025 until the 10th May 2025.

The Very Reverend Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, said

“The whole team at Wells Cathedral is looking forward to welcoming visitors to see this incredible exhibition. 

‘The Cathedral is steeped in history, and we’re pleased to host the exhibition to showcase the stories of Britain during wartime, which will no doubt allow every visitor the opportunity to reflect on the strength shown by our communities at that time.”

Organiser of The Longest Yarn series, Tansy Forster, will be at Wells to open the exhibition and has just returned from the USA where the first Longest Yarn piece is now on tour.

She said,

“We’re amazed at the incredible amount of people who have seen The Longest Yarn, so now that it is touring America, we couldn’t wait to create a second set of scenes, called The Longest Yarn 2, which depict Britain during wartime, and features memories and stories gathered by our team.

‘We’re so pleased to start our journey with this exhibition at the beautiful Wells Cathedral.”

The Longest Yarn 2 exhibition will be free with a Cathedral entry ticket, which also allows free return visits for ticket holders for 12 months from the date of purchase.

For more information click here.

Thursday 8th May will mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. To commemorate this occasion, the Government has announced an events programme between Bank Holiday Monday (5th May) and VE Day (8th May), culminating in a nationwide celebration of this historic day. You can check out all the events near you by clicking here.