To mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, Wells Cathedral will host a special exhibition, The Longest Yarn 2 – Britain at War, from April 29 to May 10, 2025. This new collection of knitted and crocheted scenes offers a moving tribute to Britain’s wartime experience, and it opens just in time for the nationwide VE Day 80 commemoration on May 8, 2025.

Building on the success of the first Longest Yarn exhibition, which captivated audiences with its poignant knitted scenes of D-Day, The Longest Yarn 2 focuses on the stories and memories of life in Britain during the Second World War.

The exhibition features 15 intricately crafted panels created by volunteers from across the UK and beyond, each depicting key moments of wartime Britain—from the resilience of families on the home front to the spirit of community that defined the era.

Tansy Forster, the organiser behind both The Longest Yarn and The Longest Yarn 2, expressed her excitement about the exhibition’s debut at Wells Cathedral:

“We’ve been amazed at the incredible number of people who have seen The Longest Yarn, so when it began touring in America, we couldn’t wait to create The Longest Yarn 2. This new exhibition brings forward the stories of Britain during wartime and the memories we’ve gathered along the way. We’re so pleased to begin this journey at Wells Cathedral, which provides such a beautiful and historic setting for these meaningful scenes.”

The Very Reverend Toby Wright, Dean of Wells Cathedral, echoed this enthusiasm:

“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 are delighted to host The Longest Yarn 2, showcasing the stories of Britain during wartime. It’s an exhibition that will allow visitors to reflect on the strength shown by our communities during that time and the sacrifices that secured our peace.”

VE Day 80: A National Day of Reflection and Celebration

The exhibition coincides with the national VE Day 80 celebrations, which will take place on May 8, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Across the country, people will gather in communities, streets, gardens, and public spaces to honour the sacrifices made by millions during the war and to celebrate the enduring peace that followed.

At 9.00 a.m. on May 8, town criers will announce the VE Day Proclamation as flags are raised across the UK, and at noon, pipers will play a specially composed tune, “Celebratum,” atop the nation’s four highest peaks.

At 6.30 p.m.while cathedrals and churches—including Wells—will ring out in celebration.

At 9.00 p.m., thousands of beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace will shine across the UK, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, symbolising the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dark days of war. Visitors will be invited to join in the reflections and celebrations with a special beacon-lighting ceremony on Cathedral Green, jointly organised by Wells City Council, The Royal British Legion, and St Cuthbert Out Parish Council.

A spokesperson for Wells City Council said:

“We would like to invite everyone to join us for this special event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It will be a moment for the whole community to come together and remember those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.”

The exhibition offers a chance to not only experience the stunning knitted panels but also to be part of a wider national moment of remembrance. As the day comes to a close, people will unite across the UK to sing the beloved hymn “I Vow To Thee, My Country” in gratitude and honour of the sacrifices made during the war.

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 visit https://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/visit/admission-and-opening-times