Ely Air Cadet Yarn Bombers on target for The Longest Day

Ely’s Air Cadets are no strangers to venturing into new and interesting activities but even our staff were pleasantly surprised at just how enthusiastically the cadets took to crocheting Poppies for a huge 3D yarn bombing work of art “The Longest Yarn” to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of The Longest Day of the Second World War, 6th June 1944 when Allied Troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to liberate Europe.

What is The Longest Yarn?

The Longest Yarn is an eighty metre 3D knitted/crocheted work depicting The Longest Day 6th June 1944 produced in time for the 80th Anniversary of this pivotal day in history.

Tansy Forster had long admired the post box toppers and yarn bombing events in the UK and she had an idea to create a knitted topper for her garden wall in Houesville, Normandy, France, for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

However, with the help of few freinds the idea grew and grew and went viral, now with the help of knitters around the world the idea has grown into am eighty metre long woolen work of art representing the D Day landings and The Battle of Normandy.

A 3D knitted “tapestry” divided into eighty, one metre panels is being constructed all around the world. From as far away as Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, Canada, as well as Great Britain, Ireland and the rest of Europe.

Each panel represents what happened on that fateful day – June 6th 1944 – from the soldiers embarking in England being delayed by poor weather, to the fierce battles on the landing beaches in Normandy, and the bombardment of the towns and cities.

The Longest Yarn will go on display on 28th May 2024 at Notre Dame Cathedral in Carentan near the Normandy beaches where this collaborative work of art will be on display until 1st September and then it will be on tour… The first destination will possibly be Southwell Cathedral in Nottinghamshire from 8th to 28th September – other venues are to be confirmed.

If you would like to get involved, you can visit the longest Yarn website where you can donate or register to help create part of this wonderful tribute.

Visit the website here: https://www.thelongestyarn.com