The Longest Yarn 2

A knitted panel of five rows of WW2 soldiers sits in front of Nothe Fort to demonstrate the exhibition is coming to the Fort. In the background, the grey stone walls of Nothe Fort and the dark archway of the main gate. Above the wall on the ramparts, a heavy artillery gun is visible.

The Longest Yarn 2

Name: The Longest Yarn 2
Start: 2026-07-01
End: 2026-07-01

The Longest Yarn 2 Britain at War exhibition is coming to Nothe Fort in July 2026!

1 – 31 July

Following the success of the original The Longest Yarn 80-metre depiction of the D-Day landings, this new exhibition continues the project’s mission of bringing history to life through large-scale, handcrafted textile art.

Come and see this powerful 80-meter textile installation that explores the social history of the Second World War — learn how ordinary people coped, endured, and adapted during years of wartime hardship and change.

The exhibition also features life-sized, hand-crafted “Army of Duty Calls” figures, honouring those who served both at home and on the front lines.

Come along to Woolly Wednesdays!

Woolly Wednesdays: A collage of two images. 1: A group of women are smiling and knitting away with red blue and white wool.

Nothe Fort is inviting the local community to pick up their needles and get creative with the launch of Woolly Wednesdays, a free weekly craft drop‑in running from Wednesday 22 April to Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10am–12pm.

The friendly, inclusive sessions invite knitters, crocheters, and textile enthusiasts of all abilities to help create colourful wool bunting for The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War, a large‑scale textile art exhibition coming to Nothe Fort 1 – 31 July 2026.

Woolly Wednesdays offer participants the chance to craft, connect, and contribute to a nationally recognised community art project – all within the historic surroundings of Nothe Fort. Hot drinks and refreshments will be provided, and no booking is required.

Participants are encouraged to create triangular bunting pieces approximately 8 inches (20cm) long and 7 inches (18cm) on the widest top edge. Materials are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies.

Local knitting group KnitWits have kindly agreed to assemble all completed bunting for display and have provided example pieces.

Finished pieces can be donated during Woolly Wednesday sessions or posted directly to Nothe Fort. Details of the theme and bunting patterns can be found on the Nothe Fort website.

Can’t attend? Don’t worry! You can knit away at home and drop off bunting at Nothe Fort anytime between 10am and 3.30pm. Weymouth Library and Weymouth Pavillion have also agreed to accept bunting donations if you can’t make it to the Fort.

The bunting created during the sessions will form part of the decorations for The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War. This popular exhibition follows the success of the original 80‑metre installation depicting the D‑Day landings. This second installation continues the project with powerful stories of wartime Britain through hand‑crafted textile art. Admission to the exhibition is included in Fort entry and Annual Passes.

Events Coordinator for the Fort Connie Jenkins-Teague, says:

“We’ve been blown away by the level of generosity and warmth shown by the local community towards this exhibition. We’re so grateful for all the time and materials donated towards making bunting and stewarding. The Longest Yarn is incredibly popular, so if you’d like to get involved in something truly special, come along to Woolly Wednesdays, or consider becoming a steward!”

Want to get involved?

Become a Woolly Steward

A photo showing two full sized knitted figures in military uniform with the text Apply to be a Woolly Steward! Flexible shifts as little as 4 hrs!

Nothe Fort is also recruiting Woolly Stewards to support visitors during The Longest Yarn 2 exhibition in July.

The role includes welcoming visitors, supporting the exhibition space, and helping ensure a smooth experience. No experience is needed – full training will be provided.

Apply via the Volunteer page on the Nothe Fort website.

https://nothefort.org.uk/volunteers/