A truly remarkable and moving tribute to Britain’s wartime spirit has arrived in Brecon. The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War, an 80-metre hand-crafted exhibition, is now on display at St Mary’s Church, offering visitors a unique and immersive journey through the Second World War.

Painstakingly created by volunteer knitters and crocheters from across the world, the exhibition marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The panels chronicle life in Britain from 3rd September 1939 to 8th May 1945, covering everything from rationing, evacuation and the Blitz, to wartime headlines and the joy of peace. Each section has been meticulously researched and lovingly stitched.

The exhibition is part of a nationwide tour and is the follow-up to the much celebrated Longest Yarn exhibition created by Normandy-based retiree Tansy Forster last year. The latest exhibition debuted with nine panels at Wonderwool in Builth Wells earlier this year and are being unveiled gradually throughout 2025, culminating in a full 80-panel showcase at Southwell Minster in September.

Brecon is proudly hosting 37 of the panels, thanks to a collaboration between St Mary’s Church and the Royal Welsh Museum. Assembled with the help of local army cadets and officially opened on Tuesday 22 July, the launch event was a poignant and uplifting occasion. Guests included local dignitaries, members of the armed forces, and representatives from the community. Highlights included an address from Col. Tim Van Rees and music from piper John Millin. The exhibition was formally opened by the Mayor of Brecon, Councillor Marie Matthews, who cut a ceremonial ribbon, which was knitted specially by a member of St Mary’s Friday Craft Group.

Exhibition organiser Jane Williams shared the story behind bringing the project to Brecon, and attendees also had the chance to meet panel creators and heard from Sarah Richardson from Criccieth and Alison Waite from Wrexham, who all personally delivered their work to the church.

In just four days, the exhibition has already welcomed over 1200 visitors. Designed to appeal to all ages, it has received glowing feedback. One visitor wrote: “This is something that touches the hearts of those who experienced the war 1939-1945…so much hard work and dedication of all who brought it back to life. Thank you for undertaking such a project. Long hours of work. For future generations to learn from. God bless you.” Other comments included “Brilliant. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece. Every blessing to the creators.”

The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War is open daily at St Mary’s Church, Brecon (LD3 7AA) until Wednesday 30 July. Opening hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Sunday 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.). Entry is free, with donations welcomed.

Also on display at the Royal Welsh Museum is Stitched in Time: WW2 in Wool, a companion exhibition that explores wartime life on the home front through textiles. Featuring artefacts from the museum’s renowned collection, the display highlights the cultural and emotional power of handmade items during times of hardship.

Stitched in Time runs from 22–31 July 2025 at the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum. Entry is free for local community group members; standard admission applies for others.

Whether you're a history buff, craft enthusiast, or simply looking for a meaningful day out, this is a rare opportunity to witness the power of art, memory, and community, one stitch at a time.